Ruto announces 3 days of mourning to honour Endarasa pupils

President William Ruto has announced three days of national mourning to honour 17 pupils of Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri who died after a fire razed down a dormitory.

Ruto directed that the Flag of the Republic of Kenya and the East African Community (EAC) be flown at half-mast during the period of mourning. 

“As a solemn testament to the indelible mark left upon the nation’s consciousness by the spirits of the seventeen departed children, Kenya shall observe three days of national mourning,” he said in a statement.

The flags will be lowered from dawn on Monday, September 9, until sunset on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

This will be done at the State House, all Kenyan diplomatic Missions, public buildings, public grounds, all military bases, posts, stations, all Naval vessels of the Republic of Kenya and throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Kenya.

The President said the fire incident has left not only a scar on the families but also on the 14 survivors, whom are receiving treatment in various hospitals for injuries sustained during the incident.

“We commit them to the love and grace of the Almighty, for only He can give them the strength and healing that they need in this darkest hour of their lives,” he stated.

Ruto assured Kenyans that the government would take every possible action to safeguard the lives of school-going children.

“No child should lose their life in a place that is meant to be a safe haven for education, growth, and social development,” Ruto stated.

He vowed that the difficult questions surrounding the tragedy will be answered “fully, frankly, and without fear or favour.”

The Head of state also condemned the cruel twist of fate that took the lives of children so young.