Mweiga Stadium in Nyeri County was the solemn scene of a highly emotional memorial service for the 21 victims of the tragic fire that engulfed the dormitory of Hillside Endarasha Academy on September 5, 2024. The incident, which claimed the lives of young students, has left a lasting scar on the local community.
The event drew notable national leaders, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa, who represented former President Uhuru Kenyatta, delivering his heartfelt condolences to the grieving community.
During the ceremony, the atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as the bodies of the 21 pupils were paraded for a final tribute. Parents, teachers, and fellow students struggled to hold back tears as they remembered the lives lost in the tragic incident.
In his message, former President Kenyatta offered words of comfort: “May God give you the strength, comfort, and courage you need to cope with this loss.” His sentiments were echoed by leaders in attendance, including Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who announced that funerals for the young victims would be staggered, with nine burials set for today, 10 tomorrow, and the final two on Saturday.
Pupils from Hillside Endarasha Academy shared a touching tribute, recalling their late classmates: “It’s painful that our beautiful moments are now memories… We appreciate that God gave you to us as gifts. You came, you conquered life in your own different ways, and together you left as friends.”
A parents’ spokesperson at the school also expressed the overwhelming grief felt by families, emphasizing how deeply the loss has shaken the school community.
The tragic fire remains a dark chapter for the academy and the local community, but the service at Mweiga Stadium served as a platform for unity and healing, with the presence of national leaders offering comfort and a sense of shared mourning.
