A new twist has emerged in the investigation of the tragic fire that claimed the lives of 21 learners at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County.
Reports now indicate that some pupils had matchboxes and candles in their possession on the night of the fire, raising further questions about the possible cause of the deadly blaze.
According to students who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity, it was common practice for learners to carry candles and matchboxes to help deal with a persistent bed bug infestation.
“When we returned to school on September 2, 2024, the dormitory was infested with bed bugs. We had a hard time sleeping because of the bites, so some of us used candles to scare them away,” one student revealed.
The students said that bed bug infestations were a routine problem during the opening weeks of every term.
“It happens every time we come back from holidays. We struggle to sleep due to the constant itching,” another student added.
While the presence of matchboxes has raised concerns about a potential link to the fire, homicide detectives are still investigating the actual cause.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the bed bug infestation or the students’ use of candles played any role in the fire that broke out on September 6, 2024.
Parents have also come forward to report their children’s struggles with bed bugs. One parent disclosed that their child had informed them about the infestation and said that they had requested the school management to find a lasting solution.
However, it remains unclear whether the school had taken any significant measures to address the problem before the tragic incident.
By Standard