Endarasha Academy: Death Toll At Nyeri School Rises To 21 After Fire Tragedy

• Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirms that the death toll at Hillside Endarasha Academy hit 21 as of Saturday evening, September 7
• Two more learners succumbed to burn injuries in different hospitals in Nyeri and Nairobi counties
• State authorities confirmed that the fire erupted inside a dormitory housing 156 boys on Thursday night, September 5, killing 16 learners on the spot

Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nyeri - The death toll at Hillside Endarasha Academy after a night inferno has hit 21.

Two more learners succumbed to the burn injuries on Saturday, September 7, two days after the tragedy befell.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said in an official communique published on X.

He said two additional deaths were reported at Nairobi's Kenyatta National Hospital and Mary Immaculate Hospital of Nyeri.

How many Endarasha kids are missing?

Mwaura further revealed that 48 learners were yet to be accounted for as of Saturday evening, September 7.

The ill-fated dormitory had housed 156 learners at the time of the tragedy; 16 boys perished at the scene.

The government spokesperson pleaded with parents and others who took the boys from the scene to check with the government and humanitarian personnel who have pitched tents outside the school.

"We express our gratitude to everyone who has stepped forward to support the affected children during this difficult situation, including the school community and surrounding neighbours. In this regard, we urge residents near the school who may have rescued and sheltered pupils to bring them immediately to the designated search and command centre for families," he said.

What Johansen Oduor said about Endarasha deaths

At the same time, chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor explained that the bodies were badly charred and that it would take DNA tests for them to be identified.

Oduor said the postmortem had been slated for Tuesday, September 10, in Naro Moru .

"We have concluded the process of the recovery of the bodies of the deceased involved in this fire incident. We managed to recover 19 bodies and put them in body bags, which will be taken to Naro Moru Hospital so that we start the phase of postmortem. Looking at the bodies were badly and extensively burnt, which means it is very difficult to identify who they are. We will embark on autopsy as well as taking samples for analysis," Oduor told the press.

All you need to know about Hillside Endarasha Academy fire

• The tragedy hit on Thursday night, September 5, inside a dormitory where 156 boys were sleeping.
• Police confirmed that 16 learners died at the scene, with five more succumbing to burn injuries in hospitals in Nyeri and Nairobi counties
• A pupil who survived the tragedy revealed the fire started after a faulty bulb exploded, the sparkles lighting the bedding atop a double-decker bed
• President William Ruto announced three days of mourning, with the Kenyan flag and that of the East African Community (EAC) being flown at half-mast