Tragic Fire Claims Lives at Kenyan School Dormitory

The devastating toll from a fire at a school dormitory in central Kenya has escalated, reaching 21 as two more students succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

This heartbreaking incident has ignited serious concerns regarding safety protocols within educational institutions across the nation.

As night descended, flames erupted again at a girls’ school in the same region, generating conflicting reports about injuries sustained.

Earlier on Saturday, the country’s leading prosecutor announced a directive for law enforcement to investigate whether the catastrophic blaze at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County stemmed from negligence or just sheer carelessness.

Engulfing a boys’ dormitory around midnight on Thursday, the inferno surged while over 150 pupils—ages nine to thirteen—were fast asleep.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed that 19 cadavers had been retrieved from the scene, with two additional casualties reported from the hospital.

Out of the 156 boys present that night, 139 have now been located, either recuperating at home or receiving medical care, Mwaura added during Saturday’s briefing.

“This is a disaster of unspeakable proportion,” Mwaura stated solemnly.

The horrific remains of the victims were discovered within the dormitory, which has turned into a charred skeleton; its corrugated iron roof lay completely caved in.

Homicide and forensic teams intensified their inquiries at the site on Saturday, with plans to carry out DNA testing for victim identification.

Serious Concerns Arise

Chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor announced that autopsies would commence on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, another blaze erupted Saturday night at Isiolo Girls High School, located approximately 140 kilometers (90 miles) northeast.

Hussein Salesa, communications director for Isiolo County, reported that two or three structures were aflame. “Injuries have occurred, but we cannot confirm specifics at this moment,” he noted.

National police spokeswoman Resila Onyango assured the public that the blaze had been contained, thanks to the assistance of the military, stating there were “no reported injuries” involving students or staff.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga instructed police to delve into the causes of the Endarasha fire and evaluate whether the tragedy may have been a result of negligence or recklessness from those responsible.

“Anyone found responsible for this tragic fire will be swiftly subjected to the legal process,” his office declared.

This tragedy has cast a glaring light on the pressing safety issues in Kenyan schools, following a series of similar calamities over the years.

The National Gender and Equality Commission of Kenya has highlighted preliminary findings suggesting the dormitory was “overcrowded, breaching safety regulations.”

“This incident sparks significant worries about children’s rights to safety within educational environments,” declared Vocal Africa, an NGO, in a statement on X.

President William Ruto announced a three-day period of national mourning commencing Monday, labeling the event as an “indescribable tragedy.”

He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and pledged that “all responsible parties will be held accountable.”

‘We Want Our Children’

Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives and conveyed his “spiritual support to all affected by this misfortune, especially the injured and grieving families.”

Numerous families waited anxiously for news about their loved ones, with one mother at the site, distraught, declaring: “Forget the food donations. We want our children back.”

The Kenya Red Cross has stepped in to provide psychological counseling for traumatized children and their relatives, setting up white tents in open areas outside the school.

Muchai Kihara, aged 56, rejoiced at finding his 12-year-old son Stephen Gachingi alive after rushing to the school around 1 a.m. on Friday.

“I can hardly fathom what he endured,” he told Agence France-Presse.

“I’m relieved he survived, but he sustained injuries at the back of his head and the smoke affected his vision.”