President William Ruto has vowed action against those responsible for the tragic fire incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Kieni, Nyeri that claimed the lives of 17 pupils.
In a statement, Ruto who is in China on an official trip said he has directed the security agencies to “thoroughly” and expeditiously conduct a probe into the “horrific” incident.
“Those responsible will be held to account!” he said.
“The government under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government is mobilising all the necessary resources to support the affected families,” said Ruto.
National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango said the incident left 14 other pupils with serious injuries.
“We have 17 pupils dead and 14 injured. We are investigating the cause and take necessary action,” she said.
The incident started when one of the dormitories at the school; caught fire.
At least 16 of them were confirmed dead at the scene while one died while being rushed to the hospital.
There are fears that more bodies are likely to be recovered once the scene is fully processed.
Deputy Director DCI John Onyango, Senior Assistant IG, and the Director Homicide Unit and NPS Disaster Management Unit are at the scene.
The scene has been preserved for the homicide team to probe the matter.
All response teams were sent to the scene to help the situation.
