Ruto, Raila, Uhuru lead Kenyans in mourning Hillside Endarasha Academy fire victims

In his message, President Ruto promised swift action and urged relevant authorities to investigate the incident to bring those responsible to book. 

"Our thoughts are with the families of the children who have lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County. This is devastating news. We pray for speedy recovery to the survivors," the president said.

While sending his condolence message, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appealed to schools to enforce security measures to curb future incidents. 

"We pray for a quick recovery of the survivors of this inferno. May God grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss. We ask schools to enforce safety and security measures as outlined by the Ministry of Education and other agencies to avert such incidences," Gachagua said. 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also joined the list of leaders who sent their condolences, expressing deep regret over the tragedy. 

"The loss of young lives, full of potential and hope for the future, is a pain that cannot be fully described. My heart goes out to the families who lost their children and the school community deeply affected by this tragedy of unimaginable magnitude. May God give you the strength, comfort, and peace you need as you cope with this loss," he said. 

Mr Odinga also expressed his condolences to the affected families, wishing a quick recovery to those injured. Reports indicated that 14 pupils sustained severe burns from the incident and were rushed to the hospital. 

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, and school fraternity who've lost loved ones in the devastating fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy. May God grant them all strength during these difficult moments, and a swift recovery for those injured," he noted. 

Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Rigathi also acknowledged the weight of the tragedy, pointing out how such a loss affects the entire community. 

"Hearts across the nation are torn apart following the devastating news of the loss of 16 precious young souls, with many more injured and scarred, in the inferno at Hillside Academy, Endarasha, Kieni Constituency," she said. 

"As a mother, no words can capture the overwhelming grief that the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and families are enduring. The weight of this tragedy feels unbearable, and my heart aches with every family suffering this unimaginable loss."

At the same time, Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen expressed his grief over the incident, wishing quick recovery to those injured and also condolences to the families who've lost their children. 

"I am deeply saddened by the devastating news this morning of a fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, which has claimed the lives of at least 16 pupils," he noted. 

"My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the families, friends, and the entire school community affected by this terrible loss. I stand with all those affected by this tragedy and wish the survivors a quick recovery."

Confirming the incident, National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango said police teams had been dispatched to the school to assist with the rescue operations as investigations continue.