Utumishi Girls fire: CCTV helps DCI detectives identify 7 students behind arson
By Emmanuel Rono, May 31, 2026The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has identified a group of students suspected to have been involved in the fatal fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School that claimed the lives of 16 learners.
According to a report on Sunday, May 31, 2026, the DCI said it has made a breakthrough in the ongoing probe into the incident that occurred on May 28, 2026, at the school in Gilgil.
The DCI noted that forensic analysis of CCTV footage, supported by enhanced review at the DCI National Police Service Forensic Laboratory, helped positively identify students who are believed to have lit the fire before fleeing the scene.
“Further analysis of the CCTV footage, conducted in collaboration with the teachers, has enabled the investigation team to confirm the identity of seven students who participated in the arson before escaping the scene,” DCI stated.
The agency said that out of the students under investigation, six of the previously arrested persons of interest have been positively identified through the footage, while another, who had earlier been released to her parents, is still being sought.
“Of the eight persons of interest 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. Efforts are now underway to trace and arrest her,” DCI said.
Post-mortem results
The Directorate has further said the post-mortem examinations conducted at Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital confirmed that all 16 victims died from severe burn injuries.
The National Police Service, through the DCI, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.
“The examinations confirmed that all sixteen students died as a result of severe burns. While at the hospital, the Kenya Red Cross teams provided psychosocial support to the bereaved families, who were allowed to view the bodies of their loved ones,” DCI said.
“We remain committed to delivering justice for the victims and their families,” the statement read, adding that efforts to trace and arrest the remaining person of interest are ongoing.