In a somber ceremony filled with grief and remembrance, the Hillside Endarasha Academy community gathered at Mweiga Stadium for a requiem mass to honor the 21 pupils who tragically perished in a devastating fire at the school on September 5.
The fire, which occurred late at night in the boy’s dormitory, left parents, teachers and the entire nation in mourning.
As families arrived to pay their final respects, the atmosphere was heavy with unspeakable sorrow. The mass, led by PCEA moderator Rt. Rev. Thegu Mutahi, offered consoling words for the bereaved and prayers for the souls of the departed.
The service, which began promptly at 8:00 a.m., was attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alongside Education CS Julius Migosi Ogamba, Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Nyeri County Women Representative Rahab Mukami, and other prominent leaders including Esther Passaris, Azimio Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Ferdinand Waititu.
White coffins, each marked with the name of a lost student, were laid in a row—a chilling reminder of the enormity of the loss.
Parents stood in disbelief, their faces etched with grief, clutching photos and memories of the children they would never see grow up. Many spoke of their children’s dreams and aspirations, now tragically cut short.
“He wanted to be a doctor,” one mother whispered through tears. “Now, I’ll never see that.”
Governor Kahiga, co-chair of the event planning committee, announced that nine of the boys would be laid to rest in their respective homes within Nyeri county on September 26. Ten will be buried today, while the remaining two, whose families reside outside county, will be laid to rest on Saturday.
He expressed gratitude to all those who had come forward to assist the affected families.
“The government is covering all burial expenses, and no parent should bear any additional cost on top of the pain they are already enduring,” the Governor stated.
CS Ogamba offered his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and the school community.
Drawing from Psalms 47:3, he encouraged the families, adding that the loss was not in vain. He emphasized that this tragedy must serve as a turning point, ensuring schools become safer for children.
He also announced that a school safety manual would soon be distributed nationwide, stressing that it would be strictly enforced to ensure that no parent has to live in fear when their child is in school.
DP Gachagua, reading President William Ruto’s condolence message, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the bereaved families and the school as investigations into the fire continue.
Gachagua also emphasized the importance of strict compliance with boarding school regulations set by the Ministry of Education to prevent such tragedies in the future. He concluded by offering a Kikuyu song of condolence to the grieving families.
“Their futures may have been extinguished, but their memories will continue to shine brightly in the darkness. May they rest in peace,” Gachagua concluded.
By Rodgers Wagura
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
