Kenya authorities have arrested eight students in connection with a deadly fire that swept through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Nakuru County, killing 16 students and injuring dozens more.
The arrests follow preliminary findings by investigators suggesting the blaze may have been deliberately set. The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday at the boarding school in Gilgil, triggering one of Kenya’s deadliest school tragedies in recent years.
Investigation intensifies after arrests
The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation into a disaster that has shocked Kenya and drawn national attention to safety conditions in boarding schools. Authorities are examining whether the fire was the result of a planned arson attack, while families await the identification of victims and answers about how the tragedy unfolded.
According to Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), detectives identified the eight students as persons of interest after interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from the school.
In a statement on Friday, the DCI said investigators had conducted extensive interviews with students, teachers and other witnesses while examining available CCTV recordings.
The agency said preliminary evidence pointed to possible planning and coordination behind the incident, leading to the arrests. The students remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Detectives are also gathering additional statements and analysing evidence to establish how the fire started, reconstruct the events leading up to the blaze and determine a possible motive.
Multi-agency team leads forensic inquiry
Kenyan authorities have assembled a specialised investigative team comprising homicide detectives, forensic experts, crime scene investigators, intelligence officers and DNA specialists.
The team is carrying out a detailed examination of the destroyed dormitory to identify the suspected point where the fire originated and determine how it spread through the building.
Investigators are studying burn patterns, potential ignition sources and whether any accelerants may have been used. Electrical systems within the dormitory are also being examined to determine whether mechanical or electrical faults contributed to the incident.
Officials have not announced any formal charges against those arrested.
DNA tests needed to identify victims
The intensity of the fire has complicated efforts to identify those who died.
Government pathologist Dr Titus Ngulungu said earlier that many of the victims were burned beyond recognition, making DNA testing necessary before authorities can formally confirm their identities.
Forensic specialists are now collecting and comparing DNA samples with those provided by relatives. Officials have not indicated how long the identification process will take.
The deaths have left families and communities across Kenya mourning as authorities work to provide answers.
Most injured students discharged
Authorities said the overnight blaze killed 16 students and injured 79 others.
Most of those hurt have since received treatment and been discharged from hospital, although some remain under medical observation
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of safety measures in Kenyan boarding schools. Previous school fires in the country have prompted calls for stronger fire prevention systems, improved emergency preparedness and stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
Education officials have not yet announced whether a broader review of boarding school safety standards will be undertaken following the incident.
Investigators say the inquiry remains active and have urged the public to avoid speculation while forensic examinations and witness interviews continue.
The DCI said further updates would be provided as evidence is analysed and the investigation progresses.
