- President William Ruto announced a three-day mourning period from September 9 to September 11 to honor the 17 students who died in the Hillside Endarasha Academy school accident
- The national and East African Community (EAC) flags will be flown at half-mast in all Kenyan public institutions and embassies around the world during this period
- Ruto expressed his sadness at the tragedy and expressed his condolences to the affected families, describing the tragedy as an unspeakable loss.
- He said the period of mourning will be used as a memorial to the affected youth
Nairobi – President William Ruto has announced a three-day period of national mourning to honor the 17 children who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Hillside Endarasha school dormitory.
Source: Facebook
In a solemn announcement on Friday, September 6, Ruto expressed deep sorrow for the loss of the students aged between 9 and 13, who perished in the fire.
The head of state offered his condolences to the affected families, calling the tragedy an “incomprehensible” loss.
The head of state ordered that out of compassion and respect for the memory of the innocent people lost and those injured, the country would enter into a period of three days of mourning.
“As a solemn testimony of the indelible mark left in the consciousness of the nation by the souls of the 17 departed children, Kenya will observe three days of national mourning,” the head of state said.
What will Kenyans do during the mourning of the Endarasha fire victims?
Ruto further ordered that the national and East African Community (EAC) flags will be flown at half-mast in all public institutions, military bases and Kenyan embassies around the world.
He explained that the period will start on Monday, September 9, until Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
“During this period of national mourning, the flag of the Republic of Kenya and that of the East African Community (EAC) will be flown at half-mast at the White House, all Kenyan embassies, public buildings, public squares, all military camps. . the president said.
Ruto vows to take action
Earlier, Ruto authorized the Ministry of Home Affairs to quickly investigate the fire tragedy that befell the school.
The President, while consoling the affected schools and families, suggested that the fire broke out because of laxity on the part of the school.
Ruto ordered that anyone found sleeping on the job should be held accountable.
What you need to know about Hillside Endarasha Academy
- The dormitory that burned down had 156 boys at the time, all of whom were boarders; The school has a total enrollment of 824 students, with 316 boarding students
- TUKO.co.ke shared heartwarming photos of parents braving the early morning cold to get updates on their children's whereabouts
- Kenyans were saddened by the tragedy that befell the school, taking to social media to express their feelings.
- Education Minister Julius Migos Ogamba cut short his trip to China after the tragedy
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
