Murkomen links possible negligence to Utumishi Girls Academy fire
By Faith Lagat, May 29, 2026Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has linked the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, to possible negligence by the school administration, citing breaches in safety procedures including locked emergency exits.
He made the remarks on Friday, May 29, 2026, during the inaugural graduation ceremony of Belgut Technical Training Institute in Kericho County, where he said investigations were ongoing and those found responsible would face legal action.
Safety lapses and initial findings
Murkomen said one side of the dormitory, which had an emergency exit door, was locked during the incident, contributing to the deaths of 10 students in that section. He stated that schools are required to adhere to standard safety procedures, adding that preliminary findings pointed to administrative failures.
He further noted that investigations were still in progress and that the Ministry of Education would also take administrative action against the school management once the probe is concluded.
“There is a standard safety procedure that the school was to adhere to. One side of the dormitory with an emergency exit door had been locked, and it’s where we lost 10 students,” he said.
Suspects in custody and medical updates
The CS confirmed that eight students suspected of involvement in the incident were in custody as investigations continue, with additional individuals expected to be questioned. He also said seven injured students who had been admitted to hospital were now out of danger and receiving treatment.
Murkomen condemned attempts to politicise the incident, stating that such actions were inappropriate given the scale of the tragedy.
He was accompanied by several leaders, including Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, Belgut MP Nelson Koech, Kericho County MP Beatrice Kemei, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, Shinyalu MP Fredrick Ikana, and Kericho County Commissioner Omar Ali.
School action and ongoing investigations
Following the incident, the government dissolved the Board of Management of Utumishi Girls’ Academy. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed the decision, citing preliminary findings that revealed serious safety compliance lapses.
The fire occurred on the night of May 28, 2026, and resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. Authorities confirmed that all 808 learners had been accounted for, with bodies moved to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for identification.
Investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations point to arson involving students, with eight suspects in custody. Safety breaches cited include overcrowded dormitories, a locked exit door, and reported warnings of planned unrest that were allegedly not acted upon.
The Teachers Service Commission has also initiated disciplinary action against the school principal and teachers, while further investigations are ongoing into possible institutional failures. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards in boarding schools nationwide.