Eight students have been arrested in connection with a deadly fire incident at Utumishi Girls’ Senior Secondary School in Gilgil on the morning of Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The fire left 16 students dead and 79 others injured, most of them sustaining injuries after jumping from the first floor in an attempt to escape.
Subsequently, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrests, stating that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been deliberately planned and executed by a group of students.
“Preliminary investigations have identified eight students as persons of interest in connection with the planning and execution of the suspected arson attack. The eight girls have since been arrested and are currently in police custody.” The statement read in part.
Meanwhile, investigators are now working to establish the motive and determine whether more individuals were involved.
In the aftermath of the incident, seven injured students were transferred to Nairobi for specialized medical care, while the rest have been treated and discharged.
Additionally, the bodies of the deceased were moved to Naivasha Sub-county Referral Hospital Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and formal identification.
Education CS Takes Action Over Utumishi Girls Fire
Following the incident, education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba ordered the dissolution of the school’s Board of Management.
He further directed disciplinary and legal action against the headteacher and any officials found culpable.
Ogamba cited preliminary findings of serious safety violations, including overcrowded dormitories and a locked emergency exit, which he said contravened safety regulations.
“In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements,” he said.
Investigations Ongoing
The DCI confirmed that the case which was previously being handled by multi-agency emergency response and rescue operations, has since been taken over by the Director of Homicide.
At the same time, the investigators noted that crime scene analysis is ongoing, including examination of burn patterns, potential ignition sources, CCTV footage, and structural safety conditions.
In addition, detectives are recording statements from students, staff, and witnesses.
Authorities also said that the motive remains under investigation, with further updates expected as forensic and multi-agency inquiries continue.
The National Police Service and DCI have expressed condolences to affected families and urged the public to remain calm as investigations proceed.
