17 killed in Kenya primary school fire, bodies “burnt beyond recognition”

At least 17 students were killed in a fire at a primary school in central Kenya, CNN reported on Friday, citing police.

According to police, the death toll may rise as more than a dozen people have suffered severe burn injuries and are undergoing treatment in hospital.

Investigations have been launched to determine the cause of the fire at the Hillside Andarasha Primary School in Nyeri County. The fire broke out around midnight and engulfed rooms where children were sleeping.

Kenya National Police Service spokeswoman Rasila Onyango told CNN that the bodies were “so badly burned they were beyond recognition.”

Kenya’s President William Ruto expressed his/her condolences at this “devastating news”, Ruto said in a post on x, “Our thoughts are with the families of the children who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Hillside Andarasha Academy in Nyeri County.”

“I direct the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this horrific incident. Those responsible will be held accountable,” Ruto said in his/her post, adding that his/her government was “mobilising all necessary resources to assist the affected families.”

The Kenya Red Cross also issued a statement on Friday saying it would provide “psychological support services to students, teachers and affected families.”