Youthful Kenyans storm Hillside Endarasha as pressure mounts on Gov’t after deadly fire

A group of Kenyans has arrived at the Hillside Academy School in Endarasha, Nyeri, to push for the speedy search of over 70 allegedly missing pupils as well as justice for the 21 who died in an inferno last week.

The group, which organised itself within hours on X, under the hashtag #OccupyEndarasha, on Thursday, September 16 arrived at the ill-fated school after traveling from Nairobi - some in matatus and others in private means.

Led by one Nerima, who on X describes herself as an author, the group was joined by, among others, X users Njoki Njanja and Njoki Ndung'u as well as popular singer-turned-activist Kasmuel McOure.

Prior to arriving at Endarasha, the group of activists posted their itinerary online, asking more Kenyans to join them in the maiden trip as they sought to pressure the government as well as Hillside's school management for answers.

Upon arrival at the school's vicinity, Nerima and her compatriots shared that they were met with stiff opposition from some local men who claimed to be under instructions from “above.”

Nerima shared photos of some of the men, dressed in heavy attire and some in boots - while also brandishing sticks.

Taking to her X account, Njoki Ndung'u wrote, "Fools in a probox have blocked the road telling us mkubwa amesema hakuna mtu anapita. We are now walking to the school. We have been met with rungus and so much hostility! #OccupyEndarasha!"

Just hours earlier, she had posted: "Guys intel reaching us... road blocks have been erected past Blue Post coz #OccupyEndarasha. Over 6 mats have been turned suspected to carry movement guys! We are whoever we think we are."

McOure, who joined the group a while later, also shared a video of the happenings around Hillside Academy, confirming that he was also having trouble accessing the school.

"We are here at Endarasha and there's a road block as you can see. A Probox has been parked right across the road to prevent us from accessing the school. A bit of commotion too from the police who have called for reinforcement.  There's also presence of local goons... " he said.

On her part, Njoki Njanja said, "Tumefika but wametufungia barabara. We are like 100 metres away from the school. There's a Probox which is full of locals and they're blocking us from passing through."

In her videos, a white Probox vehicle can be seen parked near the school's gate, with several police officers also seen milling around.

The abrupt trip by a section of dissatisfied Kenyans came just two days after the government, on Monday, issued an update assuring the nation that all 330 learners, 166 girls and 164 boys, were accounted for after the Hillside Endarasha Academy tragedy that claimed lives of 21 learners.

Despite the assurance by Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, however, some parents are still searching for their offspring more than a week after the tragedy unfolded.

On Thursday, a preliminary probe by Kenya Power revealed that the fire was not caused by afaulty line as its installations supplying the school were intact at the time of the incident.

Kina nani hao walikuwa wanauliza tunafika saa ngapi?
Goons na polisi wanajaribu kutukazia lakini hawatatoboa!!! pic.twitter.com/V7ZMrIZE6T

The locals wanakataa watu wapite…I feel like they have been paid..coz they are threatening us #OccupyEndarasha pic.twitter.com/NR9epFqLIV

Guuuuys guuuuys we are our enemy !!!

Goons and all crazyiness kwa ground !

Nimetusiwa na thw guy in brown trouser niende nikazae mtoto wangu niachane na wao #OccupyEndarasha they say serikali amesema watoto wamepatikana pic.twitter.com/NEBrpVvPpv— njoki ndung'u (@Iamnjoki) September 12, 2024