Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered an investigation into a devastating fire at a primary school that claimed the lives of at least 17 children.
The blaze broke out at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, approximately 170km north of Nairobi.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, President Ruto said:
“Our thoughts are with the families of the children who have lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. This is devastating news.”
The president, currently in Beijing for a China-Africa summit, called for a thorough inquiry into the incident.
“I instruct relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held to account,” Mr Ruto stated.
He added that the government is taking immediate action to assist those affected:
“The Government under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government is mobilising all the necessary resources to support the affected families.”
President Ruto also expressed hope for those injured in the fire, saying, “We pray for speedy recovery to the survivors.”
The cause of the fire, which reportedly broke out around midnight, is yet to be determined. Initial reports suggest the dormitory may have been overcrowded, potentially contributing to the high death toll.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of young lives in this tragedy. President Ruto concluded his statement with “Poleni sana,” a Swahili phrase expressing deep condolences.
