Eight students have been arrested in connection with the deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left dozens injured, as detectives intensify investigations into one of the country’s worst school fire tragedies in recent years.
In a statement shared on Friday, May 29, 2026, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that preliminary investigations had identified the eight students as persons of interest linked to the planning and execution of the suspected arson attack.
“Investigators have conducted extensive interviews with students, teaching staff, and other witnesses, while forensic teams carry out a detailed review of available CCTV footage,” the DCI said in the statement posted on its official Facebook page.
The agency added that the eight girls were currently in police custody as detectives continue recording statements and analysing evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish the motive behind the fire.
According to investigators, forensic experts are reviewing CCTV footage and examining scenes around the dormitory to determine how the fire started and spread through the school compound.
“Detectives continue to record statements and analyse all available evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events, establish the full circumstances of the incident, and determine the motive,” the DCI added.
The tragic blaze, which broke out earlier this week, engulfed one of the main dormitories at the Nakuru-based school, trapping dozens of students inside. Emergency responders and local residents battled the flames for hours before bringing the fire under control.
Education officials have since ordered a comprehensive safety audit of boarding facilities across the country, as grief-stricken families and classmates mourn the victims.
Authorities have assured the public that all leads are being pursued to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
