The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives are focusing on three leads regarding the fire that destroyed a dormitory at Hillside Endarasha Academy, killing 21 students.
The fire, which occurred on the night of September 5, completely destroyed the boys’ dormitory, leaving behind shattered windows and burnt doors.
DCI detectives are probing inconsistencies in the dormitory’s construction materials, with Director David Kinyua tasked to explain why there are inconsistencies in the materials used for the boys’ dormitory.
Additionally, the DCI is seeking to answer the question of the whereabouts of the matron on duty that fateful night, as details emerged that she had been involved in an accident and could not make it to work.
There’s also the question of whether someone attempted to switch off the lights from the main meter and accidentally caused an electrical malfunction, as the matron responsible for turning off the lights after the learners had settled in bed was absent.
DCI Preliminary Reports
In a statement on September 11, the DCI said it has deployed forensic teams and experts from the Homicide Directorate to conduct a thorough inquiry into the tragic fire incident at the boys’ dormitory.
Preliminary investigations indicate that there were 330 students enrolled as boarders at the institution, comprising 166 females and 164 males.
However, eight boys had not reported back since the school had only opened for the third term on September 3, 2024, leaving 156 boys in the dormitory on that tragic night.
The DCI confirmed that all 166 girls and 140 boys are safe with their parents.
“Two of the five boys who were admitted succumbed to injuries. Nineteen bodies have been recovered from the razed dormitory, bringing the total number of deaths to 21,” the DCI said.
Also Read: Govt Orders Immediate Inspection of All Schools After Endarasha Deadly Fire
Autopsy
Additionally, the investigative agency said DNA samples have been collected from the families who lost their loved ones.
The process is being led by experts from the government chemist and the DCI forensics team.
The goal is to match the bodies, which were badly burned beyond recognition, to their families. The autopsy for the 21 bodies will be conducted on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Meanwhile, the investigating team is working around the clock, recording statements from persons of interest, marking significant progress in the inquiry.
The DCI extended heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who lost their loved ones and pledged to conduct an expeditious and thorough investigation into this tragedy.
Also Read: Owner of Hillside Endarasha Academy Grilled for Hours
Inspection of Schools
The Hillside Endarasha Academy fire incident prompted the Ministry of Education (MoE) to order for the immediate inspection of all schools.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba said the Ministry will inspect of all public and private basic learning institutions stating that a few institutions have flouted the guidelines provided in the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya.
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