A coalition of human rights defenders and parents has filed a petition in court seeking justice and accountability over the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire, which claimed the lives of 21 learners.
The petition, lodged by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the Elimu Bora Working Group, and affected parents, names Attorney General, Education CS Migos Ogamba, and school proprietor David Kinyua among eight respondents.
The petitioners accuse state officers of negligence and demand both justice and compensation for the bereaved families.
“We are convinced that someone should be held accountable because someone slept on their job,” said KHRC’s Mary Kambo, while lawyer Raphael Okubo stressed that schools must be safe learning spaces, not “death traps.”
Parents say they have been left in the dark, with unreleased investigation findings and DNA test results, further compounding their grief. “It’s a pity that after such a tragedy, life goes on as though nothing happened. The government has a responsibility to protect our children,” added Boaz Waruku.
The petitioners have, however, welcomed the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision to consider a public inquest, if it will help uncover the truth and provide the long-awaited closure to families.
The case is expected to test the State’s accountability in ensuring school safety and the protection of children’s rights.
