Parents of Endarasha fire victims decry gov't neglect two years after tragedy

Speaking in Nyeri, the parents highlighted the pain they continue to endure nearly two years after the deadly inferno, accusing the Director of Public Prosecutions of being a hindrance in the ongoing inquest at the Nyeri Law Courts.

After investigations into the Utumishi Girls fire tragedy revealed that the incident was a result of arson, parents who lost their children at Hillside Endarasha Academy have also accused the government of neglect.

The parents say that nearly two years since the incident, they continue to suffer in their homes with no answers forthcoming on what transpired on the night their children were burnt to death.

“While the nation moved on, our lives changed forever. Many parents continue to struggle with profound grief, depression, anxiety, trauma and recurring memories of the night that took our children away,” said Cyrus Chege.

“To date, there has been no sustained psychosocial support for affected families, no structured counselling, no long-term mental health support, and no dedicated government follow-up to help parents and siblings cope with the devastating loss,” said Paul Gathogo.

The parents say the May 28 fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil has reopened wounds they have struggled to heal, a situation they say is worsened by their ongoing search for answers.

“Parents have experienced serious health challenges linked to stress and trauma they continue to endure. Marriages and family relationships have been strained, and siblings continue to struggle with the loss of their brothers. Many families relive the events of September 5, 2024, every day,” added Paul Gathogo.

They have accused the Director of Public Prosecutions of slowing down the wheels of justice, saying he has repeatedly failed to ensure witnesses attend the ongoing public inquest at the Nyeri Law Courts.

“This is not simply a legal process. Behind every file is a child who never came home. Behind every court mention is a parent waiting for answers. And behind every delay is a family whose healing remains incomplete,” said Ellen Ng’ari.

The families are now calling on the government to fast-track enforcement of the Ministry of Education’s safety programme to prevent further loss of student lives. This comes as the Kenya Human Rights Commission announced plans to file a petition to compel the arrest and prosecution of all those deemed to have failed in their duty at Utumishi Girls, leading to the fire.

“No parent should receive the devastating news that their child has died in a preventable school incident. No parent should send their child to school only to receive their child’s remains,” said Kiragu Muthoni.

“We have the eight girls in remand, but the principal as well should be in remand. The matron, the night guard. Why are those people not held accountable?” said Mary Kambo.