The interdenominational memorial service for the 21 victims of the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy is underway in Nyeri.

The service is taking place at Mwiga Stadium as had earlier been announced by the government.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Education CS Julius Ogamba and other leaders, are attending the service. 

The programme will be coordinated by Bishop Paul Wanjohi.

The 21 died when their dormitory was razed on September 6.

The fire raged through the dormitory of the boarding school, killing the boys who were asleep.

More than 150 pupils were in the dormitory when it caught fire on September 5.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has termed the loss of 21 Hillside Academy pupils “who were full of potential and hope for the future” as a pain that cannot be described.

In his condolence message conveyed by DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Uhuru also sympathised with the families of the affected and the school community.

“May God give you the strength, the comfort and peace that you need to cope with this loss,” he said.

He also wished quick recovery to all those still undergoing treatment as he prayed for God’s healing as they recovered physically and emotionally from the traumatic incident.

The service is presided over by religious leaders from various interdenominational organisations.

Nine of the 21 pupils who perished in the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire will be laid to rest on Thursday (today).

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga said the nine will be buried in their various homes after the memorial service.

Ten will be laid to rest on Friday with the remaining two being buried on Saturday.

"I would like to inform you that once we leave here, we will have burials in nine homes, we will do so for another 10 pupils and on Saturday we will finish with the remaining two," Kahiga said.

He said the committee which has been in charge since the tragedy occured on September 6 will be holding their final meeting on Monday.

The governor was speaking during the interdenominational memorial service for the 21 victims in Nyeri.

Also present during the service are Education CS Julius Ogamba and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.