A dormitory fire at Nairobi's Moi Girls’ High School. [Photo|Courtesy]
An investigation into the tragic fire incident that claimed eight lives and left several other students injured at Nairobi's Moi Girls’ High School, kicked off immediately, Saturday.
According to a police officer who spoke to the Daily Nation, one of the student had revealed plans to commit suicide.
Students told the officer, who is among those doing the investigations, that she had had plans to set ablaze the dormitory.
“According to them, this Form One student had tried to commit suicide twice. First by drinking a detergent and, second by trying to suffocate herself using a pillow,” the officer told the local daily.It is believed that a fire started at the said girl’s bed, and later spread so first to other beds, given that her mates were deep asleep, making it difficult for most of them to save themselves.“There are 10 cubicles in our dormitory, each taking eight to 10 students. I sleep in the one adjacent to the one where the fire started," said one of the girls, during investigations.
"We heard the students in that cubicle screaming. We went there and tried to stop the fire, but it was spreading very fast. We decided to run outside. As we kept screaming the other girls from the top floor also rushed out. During the commotion, electricity went off even and the smoke engulfed the dormitory," said the Form One student.She said most of the students could not see where they were heading to, due to the smoke and darkness.
"Others choked and fainted as they were heading out. We pulled those that we could. It was horrific."
However, the police remained tight-lipped on the investigations, even as the injured students continue receiving treatment at the Nairobi Women’s Hospital.
Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang' and Nairobi Police boss Japheth Koome visited the school and consoled the parents.
Nairobi County Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Nicholas Kamwende and Kilimani DCIO Phyllis Kanina are leading the investigations.
"We mourn the loss of the 7 students of Moi Girls Nairobi. Our prayers and thoughts to bereaved families and girls in hospital. So sad," said former Education Permanent Secretary, Prof James Ole Kiyiapi.