Source: Instagram
A fire broke out on September 5, 2024, leading to the deaths of 21 pupils and injuring at least 27 others in a heartbreaking incident at Hillside Endarasha Academy.
Despite this tragedy, Paul Kung'u, a parent of one of the students, has decided to keep his son enrolled at the school. Kung'u’s response has sparked discussions about how the community is dealing with the aftermath of the fire and what it means for the future of the school.
Kung'u expressed his belief that the fire was simply an unfortunate accident, similar to many other incidents that can occur unexpectedly.
He stated that such tragedies are part of life, and transferring his son to another school wouldn’t necessarily prevent future accidents.
Instead, Kung'u emphasized his faith in the school and the people running it. "My son will continue attending Hillside Endarasha Academy," Kung'u said in an interview. "Accidents can happen anywhere, and I believe that my son’s safety and education are best served by staying at his current school."
The fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy has left a deep scar on the community. The flames began on the night of September 5, and by the time they were extinguished, 21 young lives had been lost. Additionally, many students were injured, and families were left devastated.
Kung'u learned about the fire while he was in Thika and rushed to the school immediately upon receiving the news. He was relieved to find that his son was safe and had even assisted in rescuing other students from the blaze.
"I am proud of my son for his bravery during such a terrifying ordeal," Kung'u added. "He was a hero that night."
The aftermath of the fire has seen an outpouring of grief and support from the community. A prayer service was held to honor the victims, and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua joined in the prayers for the affected families.
President William Ruto declared a three-day national mourning period from September 9 to September 11 to pay tribute to the students who lost their lives.
This period of mourning is meant to give the nation time to reflect on the tragedy and support those who are grieving.
The fire has also prompted calls for investigations to determine the cause of the incident. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched an inquiry to uncover what led to the blaze and to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, parents and the broader community are grappling with the emotional toll of the tragedy.
A grieving mother at the school was seen rejecting food offers as she continued to search for her missing child, her emotional breakdown highlighting the depth of the community’s sorrow.
The fire has left many questions unanswered, and the community is waiting for the results of the investigation. The tragedy has also raised concerns about school safety and the measures in place to protect students.
While some parents, like Kung'u, choose to stay loyal to their schools, others are reconsidering their options and exploring alternatives.
In times of such profound loss, the resilience and support of the community play a crucial role in healing. Kung'u’s decision to keep his son at Hillside Endarasha Academy is a testament to his trust in the school and its ability to move forward despite the tragedy.
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