Tears flowed freely on Thursday during the memorial service for the 21 boys who lost their lives on September 5 after fire razed down their dormitory at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri County.
Mourners who had thronged the Mweiga stadium for service could not hide their tears as Red Cross and St John Ambulance volunteers carried white caskets into a tent at the stadium.
By 8 am, the quiet and sleepy Mweiga shopping centre was buzzing with activity as mourners in their thousands thronged the Mweiga stadium for the interdenominational memorial service.
Those who could not find space in the tent followed proceeding from the stadium’s wooden terraces opposite the main tent as others milled around the huge white dome tent.
The service was officiated by Bishop Paul Wanjohi of the New Life Church with Rev. Thegu Mutahi of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa delivering the sermon and the Anglican Church of Kenya, the Catholic Church, the Full Gospel Churches led in praying for the families.
In a glowing tribute read by one of the teachers, the school administration eulogized each of the boys by mentioning their names and the attributes that the teachers said the boys would be remembered for. The fire claimed two Grade 8 students, 9 Grade 7 pupils, eight Grade 6 pupils and one Grade 5 learner.
“The Hillside Academy fraternity finds it hard to believe that you are no longer with us. Your memories of you holding pens, writing assignments drawing with pencils and colouring crayons, CBC has been interesting. We shall hold dearly your attributes,” read the tribute.
“We had cordial interactions in classes in the fields and in school outings this made life in school complete. Our beloved sons, the journey with you was filled with life, your names will always be remembered,” added the tribute.
In their tribute, the victim’s school mates said that death had robbed them of their valued friends. They said that the fire had taken away a huge chunk of the Hillside school family.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua led the government delegation during the memorial. He was accompanied by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang.
While comforting the families Gachagua thanked the people of Nyeri for supporting the families following the September 5 incident. He regretted that the parents had to bury their children.
“If it were possible, much as none of us welcomes death. And if it were possible, it would be much better for parents to be buried by their children as opposed to parents burying their children. May the Lord give you comfort. It is difficult we cannot pretend and tell you that is easy,” said Gachagua.
The memorial was also attended by Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
In his condolence message to the families and the school community, DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa termed the incident as one of the greatest national tragedies that the county had experienced.
Wamalwa also asked the Ministry move with speed and audit all schools in the country to ensure adherence to safety regulations.
“We know you have the issue of review the University funding model, you have lecturers’ strike. Your hands are full but prioritize the issue of protocols and fire for the safety of the children of Kenya. That is equally important,” said Wamalwa.
On his part, the Wiper Party leader Kalonzo asked the ministry to consider implementing some of the safety regulations that were proposed following the Kyanguli fire incident in Machakos County.
He also proposed that the school management changes the school to Hillside Endarasha Memorial School as a way of honouring the victims.
Photos by Wangari Mwangi.
“I handled Kyanguli Secondary tragedy as a Minister for Education. The situation was tragic. We came up with these amazing protocols that all the school dormitory doors should swing open on the outside to allow students to escape in case there is an incident; some of these recommendations could be implemented,” said Kalonzo.
Also present were Members Parliament Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Geoffery Wandeto (Tetu), Irene Njoki (Bahati) and Mejja Donk (Embakasi Central). Women Representatives present were led Rahab Mukami (Nyeri), Esther Passaris (Nairobi) and Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta).
Senators present included Wahome wa Matinga (Nyeri), Veronicah Maina (Nominated) and Enock Wambua (Kitui).
The service was also attended by East Africa Legislative Assembly Legislator Kanini Kega. Nyeri County Speaker James Gichuhi also led Nyeri ward representatives in condoling with the families.
Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga who is also the co-chair of the Hillside Academy Fire Disaster Management Committee said that 9 victims would be buried after the memorial service while 10 families will bury their kin on Friday (today). The remaining two will be interred on tomorrow (Saturday). Kahiga also divulged that three of the tragedy would be buried in Laikipia, Laikipia (Ndaragwa) and Nakuru counties.
By Wangari Mwangi and Samuel Maina
