CS Murkomen assures thorough investigations into Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 28, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki Murkomen has assured Kenyans that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted into the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, which has left the nation in mourning, with the deaths of 16 students and scores of others injured.
Speaking in a press release at the school on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Murkomen confirmed that emergency response and investigative agencies have already been deployed to the scene, led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), crime scene investigators, and officers from the Government Chemist.
“The hotline number has been given, which is 1199, basically for people to call for help. We are working with the Kenya Red Cross, which is part of the national disaster management team, so that even as the children are at home, we will make sure they can receive counselling services and psychosocial assistance wherever they may be,” Murkomen said.
Forensic investigations to be done
The CS has emphasised that all necessary forensic processes, including DNA testing, will be undertaken to establish the exact cause of the fire and accurately identify victims.
“This is a serious tragedy for our country, and the investigations into this tragedy will be thorough. The DCI is here, crime scene investigators are already on site, and officers from the government chemist are also present. All processes will be undertaken, including DNA tests,” he said.
At the same time, the Interior CS announced that a national emergency hotline, 1199, has been activated to support affected families and members of the public seeking assistance or information related to the incident.
He further revealed that the government is working closely with the Kenya Red Cross, which is part of the national disaster management team, to provide psychosocial and counselling support to the affected students and families.