Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has announced that investigations into the tragic fire at Endarasha Hillside Academy are nearing completion. Speaking during a visit to Endarasha Police Station in Kieni, where he handed over a police vehicle, Kanja confirmed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is finalizing its report on the September 4, 2024 incident that claimed the lives of 21 boys.
The devastating fire broke out in a boys’ dormitory, killing 19 students on the spot and injuring several others, two of whom later succumbed to their injuries. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, directed the police to thoroughly investigate the incident, including determining whether negligence or recklessness was involved, with a promise to prosecute any parties found culpable.
Initial media reports suggested an electrical fault might have sparked the blaze. However, Kenya Power dismissed this theory. Nyeri County KPLC business manager Duncan Machuka stated that all power systems were stable and intact at the time, ruling out any electrical link to the fire. In response, the DCI deployed forensic experts to the site to work alongside fire safety professionals in uncovering the true cause of the tragedy. A full report is expected soon.
