NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya is in mourning after the tragic death of 18 students at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County.
Following a dormitory fire that erupted on Thursday night, President William Ruto has announced a national mourning period of three days, commencing on Monday, September 9, 2024.
This gesture reflects the collective grief and shock felt across the nation.
In a heartfelt statement, President Ruto expressed his deepest sorrow, declaring, “In honor of the 18 young souls who have left an unforgettable mark on Kenya, the country will observe three days of mourning.”
As part of this tribute, the Kenyan and East African Community (EAC) flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the country, a somber reminder of the nation’s shared loss.
This symbolic gesture will extend to State House, all public institutions, diplomatic missions, military bases, and naval vessels.
The students who perished were between the ages of 9 and 13, a devastating loss for their families and the entire country.
President Ruto poignantly captured the nation’s anguish: “This loss evokes a unique sense of anger, bitterness, sorrow, and emptiness at the cruel twists of fate that extinguished these young lives before they could fulfill their potential.”
His words resonate with a population grappling with the enormity of this tragedy.
While mourning those who passed, the President also extended his support to the survivors. Fourteen boys sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
Ruto offered words of empathy, saying, “We extend the sympathy and commiserations of the entire nation to those young ones who survived the blaze but who will now bear lifelong physical and psychological scars.”
Assuring the public, the President pledged that the government would provide all necessary medical resources to aid the recovery of the injured.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing the trauma these children and their families will continue to face, emphasizing, “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.”
President Ruto didn’t shy away from addressing the need for accountability. He stressed that safeguarding the lives of school children is of paramount importance.
“This incident compels us to ensure accountability in all schools across the country,” he stated, vowing to enhance safety measures in educational institutions.
He promised to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire, including why the response may have been delayed, ensuring that those responsible would be held accountable.
The President’s commitment to answering tough questions has resonated with a nation seeking justice.
“As your President, I pledge that the difficult questions that have been asked, such as how this tragedy occurred and why the response was not timely, will be answered; fully, frankly, and without fear or favor,” he said.
