GILGIL, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has arrested eight students in connection with the deadly fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the DCI said preliminary investigations had identified the eight girls as persons of interest in what investigators now suspect was an arson attack.
The students are currently in police custody as detectives continue recording statements and analysing evidence to establish the motive and sequence of events surrounding the inferno.
Multi-Agency Team Takes Over Investigation
According to the DCI, a specialised investigation team led by the Director of Homicide has taken over the case following completion of emergency rescue operations.
The agency said the investigation involves multiple forensic and intelligence units, including Crime Scene Investigators, the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, and forensic DNA experts.
Authorities confirmed that the fire broke out on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the school’s Meline Waithera Dormitory.
The affected structure is a two-storey building whose upper floor sustained extensive fire damage while the ground floor remained largely intact.
Investigators said the upper floor consisted of 12 cubicles accommodating 135 double-decker beds.
Sixteen Bodies Recovered
The DCI confirmed that 16 bodies were recovered from the scene and transferred to Naivasha Sub-county Referral Hospital mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and formal identification.
The tragedy has plunged the country into mourning and reignited debate over school safety, dormitory conditions, and emergency preparedness in boarding schools.
Authorities stated that scene processing and forensic documentation continued on Friday as investigators worked to determine the exact cause of the fire.
The probe includes analysis of burn patterns, possible ignition sources, structural fire dynamics, and examination of electrical installations.
CCTV Footage Under Review
The DCI revealed that detectives have already interviewed students, teachers, and witnesses while forensic teams conduct a detailed analysis of available CCTV footage.
Investigators are also examining whether accelerants were used in the suspected arson attack.
The National Police Service said the inquiry would be thorough, professional, and impartial.
“The Directorate assures all stakeholders that a thorough, professional, and impartial investigation is underway to establish the exact cause and full circumstances surrounding the fire,” the statement read.
Renewed Questions Over School Safety
The tragedy has intensified national concern over safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools following previous fatal fire incidents in learning institutions.
The Constitution of Kenya 2010 under Article 53 guarantees every child the right to protection, safety, and basic welfare.
Education stakeholders and child rights groups have increasingly called for stricter enforcement of school safety regulations, emergency response systems and dormitory inspections.
The fire also comes amid renewed debate over the government’s disaster preparedness framework after President William Ruto recently signed the National Disaster Risk Management Bill into law.
Calls for Calm as Investigations Continue
The DCI urged the public, parents, and guardians to remain calm and avoid speculation as investigations progress.
The agency extended condolences to the affected families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured students receiving treatment.
The incident is expected to trigger further scrutiny of school administration systems, student welfare, and enforcement of safety protocols across boarding institutions nationwide.
