Martha Karua Poses 3 Critical Questions Over Endarasha Fire Tragedy: "Where Was The Matron?"

• Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua exposed loopholes in the investigations over the Endarasha fire tragedy
• According to Karua, detectives should have asked the school authorities three critical questions immediately after the incident
• The politician suggested that there could be a cover-up in the investigations into the incident that left 21 pupils dead

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua has said many questions remain unanswered about the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy.

How many pupils were in the Endarasha dormitory?

On Wednesday, September 11, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations released a status report on the investigations into the fire incident.

The DCI disclosed that the dormitory that was burnt down was housing 156 pupils at the time of the fire, which led to the death of 21 pupils.

Reacting to DCI's statement, Karua questioned the Ministry of Education's guidelines on pupil safety, given the large number of students housed in the dormitory.

Why Martha Karua is not convinced with Endarasha investigations

Karua said three critical questions, including where was the matron or teacher on duty at the time of the fire, should have been answered on day one of the incident.

According to Karua, some people should already have been arrested over the fire unless there is a cover-up by the authorities.

"Totally unsatisfactory, what are the ministry’s guidelines on pupils safety and were they followed? Where was the watchman, matron, or teacher on duty? Were the students locked in, to prevent escape in the wake of the disaster? These simple questions ought to have been answered on day one and heads should have rolled unless there is a cover-up," Karua said.

What were Ruto's orders over Endarasha tragedy?

Earlier, President William Ruto sanctioned the Ministry of Interior to expeditiously investigate the school fire tragedy.

While commiserating with the school and the affected families, the president suggested that the fire broke out due to a supposed laxity on the school's part.

Ruto ordered that whoever is found to have slept on their job be held to account. He pledged government support to the affected families.

What else you need to know about Hillside Endarasha Academy fire

• Emotions ran high as a prayer service was held in memory of the 21 pupils who perished in the Endarasha Academy fire.
• Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua prayed for the families of those affected by the Hillside Endarasha fire.
• President William Ruto declared a three-day mourning period from September 9 to September 11 to honour the 17 pupils who died in the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke