Memorial service held for victims of Endarasha School fire tragedy

An interdenominational memorial service is currently being held for the 21 students who lost their lives in the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri. The service is being held at Mweiga Stadium, about 24 kilometers from the site of the tragedy at Endarasha Hillside Academy.

This comes almost a week after government pathologist Johansen Oduor verified that the DNA samples of the victims had been analysed and matched with their parents.

21 caskets each containing the remains of victims have been lined up at the venue, showcasing the devastating reality of that fateful night on September 6. Overwhelmed by grief, families, relatives and friends shed tears as they struggled to accept the loss of their loved ones.

According to the programme, the service will kick off with an opening prayer led by Bishop Murimi, followed by a welcoming address from Reverend Bildard Wangondu, the chairperson of the Kieni West Pastors Association.

There will be prayers of intercession from the families of the victims, the fire department, officials of the government and the school. The parents of the fire victims and other students from the school will offer tributes in memory of the deceased. The Archbishop of Nyeri, Reverend Anthony Muheria will lead a prayer for the families.

Several tents have been set up by Kenya Red Cross personnel to offer physical and social support, with volunteers offering extra assistance.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will each deliver brief remarks.

The program is expected to conclude at around 11:30 a.m to enable the bereaved families to transport their loved ones to their final resting places for burial.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.