The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reported progress in its investigation into the fire incident that occurred on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, in which sixteen students lost their lives.
According to the DCI, the ongoing in-depth investigation has established a breakthrough following detailed forensic analysis of CCTV footage recovered from the school.
The analysis, conducted in collaboration with teachers, confirmed the identities of students who had lit the fire before escaping the scene.
“After conducting a thorough, detailed forensic analysis of the CCTV footage recovered from the school, coupled with enhanced review at the Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory at DCI National Police Service Forensics Laboratory, a positive identification of the students who lit the fire has been realized,” the directorate noted.
DCI Identifies Seven Students in Utumishi Girls Fire
The DCI stated that seven students have now been identified as having participated in the arson incident, as the findings were based on an enhanced review of CCTV footage at the Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory at the DCI National Police Service Forensics Laboratory.
Further, the report indicated that of the eight suspects who were previously arrested, six have been positively identified and confirmed through the CCTV footage analysis.
Also Read: DCI Arrests 8 Students After Utumishi Girls Fire Tragedy
One of the seven identified students was among those earlier released to their parents and is currently not in custody.
The DCI has confirmed that efforts are underway to trace and arrest the remaining suspect who is not in custody, while the investigation team continues to follow leads in the ongoing probe into the incident.
“Of the eight suspects previously arrested, six have been positively identified and confirmed through the footage. The seventh identified student was among those earlier released to their parents and is currently not in custody,” the directorate confirmed.
Authorities Offer Support, Condolences and Appeal for Public Cooperation
The DCI statement further stated that Kenya Red Cross provided psychosocial support to bereaved families at the hospital, where relatives were allowed to view the bodies of their loved ones.
Also Read: Truth Behind CCTV Footage of Utumishi Girls Stacking Up Mattresses: What We Know
DNA reference samples were collected from families of the deceased students to assist in formal identification of the remains due to the extent of the burns.
Additionally, DCI thanked members of the public, parents, guardians, students, and the school community for their cooperation during the investigation. The National Police Service also extended condolences to the families, relatives, and friends affected by the incident.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
