Endarasha Fire Tragedy: Govt To Fund Medical Bills, Burial Expenses For All Victims

• Interior CS Kithure Kindiki confirmed that only three students are recuperating in the hospitals after the Endarasha fire tragedy
• He stated that the government regrets, sympathises with the victims and is focused on finding the truth and bringing those accountable to book
• Nyeri County Commissioner and acting Central Region Commissioner Pius Murugu said the government will cover funeral expenses for the deceased 21 boys

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Nyeri - Speculation continues to swirl about the number of students who died in the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire and those still missing.

The government has confirmed that all missing students have been accounted for, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has initiated an inquiry into the cause of the fire.

Kithure Kindiki responds to speculation on Endarasha fire

In response to the speculation, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki condemned those manipulating the data.

"The government can now account for all the pupils of the affected school. The school enrollment at the time of the fire tragedy was 843, out of which 330 were boarders: 164 boys and 166 girls. Of the 164 boys who were in the boys' dormitory that burnt down, 143 are alive (140 with their parents and 3 in hospital). Most unfortunately, 21 boys lost their lives," said Kindiki.

He affirmed that the government rejects the tragedy, expresses sympathy, and is committed to ensuring closure, justice, and the truth. Kindiki emphasised that those responsible must be held accountable.

"Any other person trying to advance some statistics is a heartless criminal and an enemy of society. This is not the time to bring triviality. The government will support the affected families to ensure there is closure and justice. We will establish the truth," he said.

Government to cover burial expenses for Endarasha victims

This statement followed Nyeri County Commissioner and acting Central Region Commissioner Pius Murugu's announcement that the government will cover medical and funeral expenses for the 21 pupils who died in the fire.

“The government will cover all medical and burial expenses and is also organising a memorial service for the victims before the bodies are released. We are continuing to provide psychological and psychosocial support to the parents and all those affected by this tragedy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has denied that the fire, which claimed the lives of 21 boys, was caused by an electrical fault.

This denial sparked protests among Gen Z, who occupied the school grounds demanding clarity on the fire's cause and information about students still unaccounted for.

Woman cries after being offered food at Endarasha

Meanwhile, a woman who was desperately awaiting news about her missing son after the tragedy was infuriated after being offered food.

She broke down stating that they could not accept the gesture yet their sons' whereabouts were unknown.

Her reaction made all the parents wail causing tension in the tent.

What else you need to know about Hillside Endarasha academy fire

• Martha Karua listed three questions that have not been answered since the fire tragedy
• Heal of Public Service Felix Koskei called for standardised infrastructure in all boarding schools
• Nairobi businesswoman Agnes Kagure called for a review of boarding school policies

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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