The Directorate of Criminal Investigation has arrested 8 girls in connection with the fire tragedy that occurred in Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
According to a statement by the DCI, on May 29, investigators conducted extensive interviews with students, teaching staff, and other witnesses, while forensic teams carried out a detailed review of available CCTV footage.
“Preliminary investigations have identified eight students as persons of interest in connection with the planning and execution of the suspected arson attack. The eight girls have since been arrested and are currently in police custody. Detectives continue to record statements and analyze all available evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events, establish the full circumstances of the incident, and determine the motive,” stated the DCI.
The DCI stated that the have conducted extensive interviews with students, teaching staff, and other witnesses as part of the probe. At the same time, forensic teams are reviewing available CCTV footage to help establish the sequence of events leading to the fire.
The DCI added that crime scene processing and documentation are still ongoing, with specialists working to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
This includes analyzing burn patterns, identifying possible ignition sources, and examining whether accelerants were used. Experts are also assessing the condition of electrical installations and the building’s structural fire dynamics.
Also Read: Tragedy as Parent Dies While Going to Confirm Child’s Safety at Utumishi School
Multi-Agency Team Takes Over Investigations
The DCI stated that the fire broke out on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the school’s Meline Waithera Dormitory, a two-storey building within the institution.
According to the DCI, the upper floor of the dormitory sustained extensive fire damage, while the ground floor remained largely intact. The affected upper floor comprised 12 cubicles accommodating a total of 135 double-decker beds.
“The dormitory is a two-storey building in which the first floor sustained extensive fire damage, while the ground floor remained largely intact. The affected upper floor consists of 12 cubicles accommodating a total of 135 double-decker beds,” said the DCI.
The authority said a specialized multi-agency investigation team led by the Director of Homicide has since taken over the case following the completion of emergency rescue operations.
The emergency response operation involved the National Police Service, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), Kenya Defense Forces, National Youth Service, Nakuru County Government, Kenya Forest Service, National Disaster Management Unit, National Disaster Operations Centre, Kenya Red Cross Society, Kenya Power, Government Chemist, Ministry of Education officials, medical officers, pathologists, and other stakeholders.
The DCI said the investigation team includes Crime Scene Investigators, officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau’s Forensic Imaging and Acoustics Unit, and forensic DNA experts.
Also Read: Utumishi Girls Academy Dorm Design Raises Safety Concerns
DCI Investigating and Examining Cause of Blaze
The DCI noted that crime scene processing and documentation were still ongoing as experts work to establish the exact cause of the fire.
Investigators are analyzing burn patterns, identifying possible ignition sources, determining whether accelerants were used, and assessing the integrity of electrical installations and the building’s structural fire dynamics.
“A meticulous examination of the scene led to the recovery of sixteen (16) bodies, all of which were moved to Naivasha Sub-county Referral Hospital Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and formal identification,” stated the DCI.
The bodies were moved to Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and formal identification.
The National Police Service conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends, and the entire school community following the tragedy, while also wishing a swift recovery to those injured during the incident.
The DCI appealed to the public, parents, and guardians to remain calm and allow investigators to complete what it described as a thorough, professional, and impartial investigation to establish the exact cause of the fire and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
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