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Pope Francis has conveyed his condolences to Kenya after the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy that claimed at least 18 lives.
In a communique posted on the official news portal, Vatican News, the Pope expressed sympathies to the bereaved, sharing in their grief following the tragedy in Nyeri county.
He said;
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"I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of young lives. My spiritual closeness to all who are suffering the effects of this calamity, especially the injured and the families who grieve.”
The Pope commended the souls of the dead to the “loving mercy of Almighty God” and offered his “prayers for the personnel and the civil authorities who continue to provide assistance.”
He later invoked upon everyone affected the Lord’s blessings of strength, peace, and consolation.
In the meantime, President William Ruto announced a three-day national mourning period to honour the deceased children.
In a solemn proclamation on Friday, September 6, Ruto expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the young students, aged between 9 and 13, who perished in the fire.
The head of state extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families, calling the tragedy an "unfathomable" loss.
He decreed that in sympathy and honour of the memory of the innocent lives lost and those who were injured, the country would go into a three-day period of mourning.
The president directed that during the mourning period, the national flag and the East African Community (EAC) flag be flown at half-mast at all public institutions, military bases, and Kenyan diplomatic missions worldwide
The period would run from Monday, September 9, to Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
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