A memorial service was held today, September 26, 2024, to honor the 21 victims of the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy. The service took place at Mweiga Stadium in Nyeri County, drawing mourners from all over the country.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led the ceremony, reading President William Ruto’s message of condolence. Other notable attendees included Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa, who conveyed a message from former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The fire, which broke out on the night of September 5, torched down a dormitory housing 156 boys, tragically claiming 21 lives. Nineteen of the bodies were recovered from the scene, while two students succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. DNA tests were used to identify the victims, and a multi-agency team assisted families with the viewing and identification process.

The memorial service marks the beginning of the final journey for the victims, with nine set to be buried today, followed by ten on Friday and the remaining two on Saturday. Some will be laid to rest in Laikipia, Ndaragwa, and Nakuru.

The government has donated Ksh.100,000 to each of the families to cover funeral expenses. Plans are also underway to reopen the school, but only after it meets the Ministry of Education’s new safety guidelines. This includes reducing the number of boarding students to prevent overcrowding and eliminating all timber structures on the premises.