Memorial service for Endarasha school fire victims underway.

The interdenominational memorial service for the 21 students who died in a fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri is currently taking place at Mweiga Stadium in Kieni West, which is approximately 24 kilometres away from the school. 

The fire, which occurred on September 6, engulfed one of the school’s dormitories, resulting in the tragic loss of 21 lives.

A week ago, government pathologist Johansen Oduor confirmed that the DNA samples of the victims had been matched with their parents. 

“We have received the results of the 21 pupils who died in the tragedy, and they have positively matched with those of their parents,” he said.

At the service, 21 caskets bearing the remains of the victims have been lined up, serving as a poignant reminder of the tragic event.

Family members, friends, and relatives are gathered at the venue, expressing their sorrow and coming to terms with the loss. 

Kenya Red Cross personnel have set up support tents, offering physical and social support sessions, while volunteers are providing additional assistance.

The Disaster Management Committee is coordinating with the representatives of the victims’ parents and the school authorities. The service is scheduled to conclude by 11:00 am, allowing the bereaved families to proceed with the burial of their loved ones.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with reports indicating that the dormitory was infested with bed bugs. Some students have reported finding bed bugs in the dormitory after returning to school following the August holiday.

“Every time we open we find it difficult to sleep for the first few days. We stay awake the whole night due to itchiness,” they said.

The learners said this forces them to use candles at night to scare away the bed bugs which mostly hide in the cracks of wooden beds.

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