Political activist Kasmuel McOure has travelled to Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County where 21 students lost their lives and several others were injured following a fire tragedy.
Kasmuel is leading a group of youths who left Nairobi for Nyeri in the planned protest, which he hopes will bring attention to the negligence that caused the tragedy.
The protesters are calling for answers from the school administration and relevant government bodies regarding the tragic incident.
In a video shared on X account on Thursday, September 12, 2024, the outspoken young activist expressed gratitude for all who have joined the movement.
“Thank you all for coming. You have left Nairobi and left the comforts of your homes to come all the way. This is a saddening thing. We need to have a total shutdown,” Kasmuel stated, expressing his gratitude to the protesters who joined the cause.
DCI update
According to an update by DCI on Thursday, September 12, 2024, the fire broke out in the dormitory section of the school, which housed 164 registered boarders.
However, on the night of the tragic incident, only 156 boys were in the dormitory, as eight had not yet returned to school.
“According to our information, 164 boys were registered in the boarding section. On the night of the fire, 156 boys were inside the dormitory, as eight had not yet reported back,” the DCI confirmed.
The blaze quickly swept through the wooden dormitory, tragically claiming the lives of 19 boys who were inside. Additionally, two more boys succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical care at the hospital.
As of now, authorities have confirmed that 140 boys, including the eight who were absent during the fire, have been safely accounted for and are now with their families. Five boys were hospitalized following the incident, with two of them tragically losing their lives due to severe injuries, while three remain under medical care.
“So far, 140 boys are confirmed to be with their families, including the eight who had not reported to school,” the DCI stated.
“Of the five boys hospitalized, two succumbed to their injuries. Three others are still receiving treatment. The toll stands at 21, including 19 bodies recovered from the dormitory and two who died in the hospital.”
Investigators are still examining the cause of the fire, exploring possible factors such as electrical faults.