Willis Otieno: Ongoing CCTV debate in school dormitories misses real issue
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 1, 2026Safina Party deputy party leader and lawyer Willis Otieno has argued that the ongoing debate surrounding CCTV cameras in school dormitory corridors is being misframed and is distracting from the more urgent issue of overcrowding and poor student accommodation standards in boarding schools.
Taking it to his X account on Monday, May 1, 2026, Willis Otieno has said that it’s a common practice in many schools to monitor areas like hallways. CCTV systems are usually set up to protect the safety of pupils, aid in emergency procedures, and help to ensure responsible use of common areas.
“The issue is not the existence of CCTV cameras in school dormitory hallways. Surveillance in common areas is a standard safety measure in many boarding institutions and is often intended to enhance student security, emergency response, and accountability. Hallways are not private spaces,” Otieno stated.
Overcrowding in schools
The outspoken lawyer has said that corridors should not be used as accommodation spaces. He said that, if students must spend the night in these environments, then that’s a sign of more fundamental issues with school facilities and capacity.
Willios Otieno has further pointed out the prevalent issue of overcrowding in boarding schools, insufficient facilities for boarding, and insufficient enforcement of housing standards in schools.
He has noted that in some schools, there are not enough beds to accommodate the students, and schools are having to make do with unused space being repurposed for a place to sleep.
“If learners are occupying corridors designed for movement and emergency evacuation, then the discussion should focus on overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, student welfare, and compliance with minimum boarding standards,” Willis added.
Willis Otieno also says that the discussion about the CCTV cameras alone could lead to a shift of focus away from these structural issues. Although privacy and surveillance in schools are important policy considerations, they should not be the focus of the discussion because of the inability to accommodate students.
Utumishi girls’ CCTV footage revelation
Otieno’s statement comes hours after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) 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,” the DCI said.