Families of 21 boys killed in Endarasha Academy fire say government abandoned them
via Tuko3 min read
Families of 21 boys who died in the Hillside Endarasha Academy dormitory fire nearly two years ago claim the government has abandoned them. Gathering in Nyeri, parents described lives permanently altered by the September 5, 2024, inferno, accusing the government of neglect and a lack of sustained psychosocial support. They expressed frustration over delays in the ongoing public inquest, stating that promises of support made after the tragedy never materialized into meaningful action. Parents reported dealing with emotional, psychological, and financial burdens largely on their own, with no structured counseling or long-term mental health support. The recent fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, which killed 16 learners, reopened old wounds and revived fears that lessons from previous school disasters have not been fully implemented. Families also accused the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ODPP of delaying justice by repeatedly failing to ensure crucial witnesses attend court proceedings. The Kenya Human Rights Commission Head of Programmes, Mercy Kambo, noted that parents have spent their own money traveling to court, only for hearings to stall due to absent government officials. Hillside Endarasha Academy, a private school established 15 years ago in Nyeri county, is reportedly owned by David Kinyua and his wife, Mary Wanjeri.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Detectives from Kenya's Anti-Narcotics Unit and Transnational Organised Crime Unit arrested 40-year-old Ugandan national Daniel Musubo in Nakuru. The arrest followed a public tip-off, leading to an ambush on the Maai Mahiu鈥揘aivasha highway. Officers intercepted a Scania truck, registration number UBN 042, and discovered three bales of bhang concealed in the cabin and toolbox. Musubo was arrested at the scene, and the truck and narcotics were taken to Muthaiga Police Station for ongoing investigations. Authorities stated the vehicle and seized drugs are being held as exhibits, and the suspect will be processed and arraigned in court. This operation highlights the importance of public cooperation and inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations encourages the public to continue reporting criminal activities through its anonymous channels. In a separate incident, police in Kibra also arrested suspects and seized various narcotics, including bhang rolls and liquid drugs, vowing to intensify intelligence-led crackdowns nationwide.
Must ReadThe National Council of Churches of Kenya NCCK has condemned a suspected planned attack on All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, which occurred during a post-budget review event organized by human rights activists. Hundreds of individuals, described as goons, attacked the church, leading to a confrontation with security guards and terrorizing attendees. CCTV footage captured the attackers, resulting in the arrest of one suspect. The Kenya Human Rights Commission and civil society organizations also condemned the incident, highlighting it as a violation of constitutional rights to assembly and expression. The NCCK has called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to identify, arrest, and prosecute the mastermind, specifically questioning why a government official would attempt to prevent citizens from discussing the 2026-2027 budget. They demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the government official named as the sponsor of the attackers. The Law Society of Kenya president, Charles Kanjama, also condemned the rise of goonism, emphasizing the need for accountability for perpetrators and their sponsors.
Must ReadSeven Kenyan fishermen, who were convicted in Tanzania and sentenced to 10 years in prison or a KSh 3.5 million fine, have been freed and returned to Kenya. Their return on Friday, June 13, at Moi International Airport, followed a two-month ordeal. The fishermen were apprehended in Kilua waters alongside 61 migrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, with Tanzanian authorities accusing them of facilitating illegal transportation using a Kenyan fishing vessel. Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho welcomed them back, urging Kenyan fishermen in foreign waters to comply with maritime laws. Separately, Siaya Senator and ODM leader Oburu Oginga appealed to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to ease the near-takeover of Migingo Island by Ugandan forces. He proposed joint management of the island by Kenya and Uganda to prevent further conflict and mistreatment of fishermen from both nations.