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Pope Francis has sent his message of condolence to the families who have been affected by the fire tragedy that occurred at the Hillside Endarasha Academy on Thursday, September 6, 2024.

The fire that broke out at the learning institution located in Kieni Constituency in Nyeri County claimed 17 lives and left several others injured. After the tragic incident, top leaders in the country sent their messages of condolences and have now been joined by Pope Francis.

“In response to the tragedy, Pope Francis sent a message on Saturday (September 7, 2024) to express his condolences to the victims’ families.

“The telegram was signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and sent to Archbishop Anthony Muheria, the Archbishop of Nyeri. In it, the Pope said he was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of young lives.

“He also expressed his spiritual closeness to all who are suffering the effects of this calamity, especially the injured and the families who grieve,” a statement by the Catholic church leader read.

The statement added that Pope Francis commended the souls of the dead to the loving mercy of Almighty God and offered his prayers for the personnel and the civil authorities who continue to provide assistance.

“He concluded the telegram by invoking upon everyone affected the Lord’s blessings of strength, peace, and consolation,” the statement added.

Investigation

Meanwhile, the Pope’s message comes after the Director of Public Prosecution, Renson Ingonga, directed the Inspector General of Police to conduct an investigation.

“In line with the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which guarantees every child’s right to education, safety, and protection from all forms of harm, the DPP has directed the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly fire and assess whether or not the tragedy may have resulted from negligence and/or recklessness of any responsibility holders, and to forward the file to the DPP for a review towards making the decision to charge,” a statement by the DPP shared on social media pages said.

Ruto’s order

On Friday, September 6, 2024, President William Ruto declared a national mourning.

I, William Samoei Ruto, under the authority vested in me as President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, do hereby order and direct that, as a solemn testament to the indelible mark left upon the nation’s consciousness by the spirits of the seventeen departed children, Kenya shall observe a three-day period of national mourning.

“During this period of national mourning, the flag of the Republic of Kenya and that of the East African Community (EAC) shall be flown at half-mast at State House, all Kenyan diplomatic missions, public buildings, public grounds, all military bases, posts, stations, all naval vessels of the Republic of Kenya, and throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Kenya, from dawn Monday, September 9, 2024, until sunset on Wednesday, September 11, 2024,” Ruto’s order read.