DPP Directs Police IG to Probe Hillside Endarasha Academy Fire.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has directed the Inspector General of Police to begin an inquiry into the cause of the fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which resulted in the deaths of eighteen students and the injuries of over twenty-seven more.
DPP Ingonga instructed the Inspector General (IG) in a statement on Saturday to look into the fire’s circumstances and determine whether or not there was intentional misconduct.
The investigation would assess whether negligence or recklessness by any responsible parties contributed to the tragedy, and the file would then be forwarded to the DPP for review, in line with the Kenyan Constitution of 2010, which guarantees every child’s right to safety, education, and protection from harm.
The DPP also reassured the people that those responsible for the horrific event will face consequences.
The statement continued, “The DPP assures the public that anyone found culpable for the fire tragedy shall be expeditiously taken through the due process of criminal trial.”
In compliance with the rule of law, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is dedicated to carrying out its constitutional responsibility.
In his condolence letter to the deceased’s relatives, the DPP stressed the importance of establishments following the safety procedures outlined in the legislation.
As a result, he called on educational stakeholders to put children’ safety first in an effort to prevent such tactics.
“The DPP wishes a speedy recovery to all students who sustained burn injuries and expresses his deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims of the tragedy,” the statement said.
The statement expressed sorrow, noting that the tragedy evoked painful memories of similar school fire incidents. It highlighted concerns over recurring negligence and the failure of responsible parties to prioritize the safety of children in schools.
The statement further emphasized the need to enforce safety protocols outlined in the relevant statutes, such as the Children’s Act, the Basic Education Act, and the Safety Standards Manual for Schools, which prescribe safety and protection measures for all educational institutions.
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Following the dormitory fire at Nyeri County’s Hillside Endarasha Academy, President William Ruto has since proclaimed a three-day national mourning period.
Ruto announced the three days’ schedule in a presidential proclamation on Friday night. They will start at sunrise on Monday, September 9, and end at dusk on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
The Head of State ordered the Kenyan and East African Community flags to fly at half mast throughout the country at this time.
DPP Directs Police IG to Probe Hillside Endarasha Academy Fire.
