8 students arrested over suspected Utumishi Girls dormitory arson incident that killed 16
Investigators believe the fire that broke out on May 28, 2026, was deliberately set.
At least eight students have been arrested in connection with a suspected arson attack at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, that left 16 students dead.
The students were detained for questioning after detectives traced them to their homes and brought them back to the school. Others who had remained in the area were also taken into custody as police expanded investigations into the deadly dormitory fire.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects are part of about 30 students initially identified as persons of interest. Investigators believe the fire that broke out on May 28, 2026, was deliberately set.
In a statement, the DCI said preliminary findings—based on CCTV analysis, forensic examination, and witness accounts—pointed to possible involvement of the arrested students. They are currently in custody as detectives record statements and reconstruct the events leading to the tragedy.
The fire gutted the Melino Waithera Dormitory, a two-storey block housing about 135 double-decker beds and approximately 220 students drawn from Grade 10, Form Three, and Form Four. Witnesses said the blaze started at the main entrance and spread rapidly, trapping students inside.
Some students attempted to escape through the main exit, while others tried using an emergency door that was reportedly locked. Sixteen students were burnt beyond recognition at that exit point.
Survivors told investigators that security guards tried unsuccessfully to break open the emergency door to rescue trapped learners. Authorities are also probing why the school matron was absent and unreachable during the incident.
Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi said seven injured students were airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment, while others were discharged. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Naivasha Sub-county Referral Hospital Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and DNA identification.
A multi-agency team comprising homicide detectives, forensic experts, intelligence officers, and disaster response units has taken over the investigation. Officers are examining burn patterns, ignition sources, electrical systems, and possible accelerants to establish the exact cause and motive.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen expressed condolences to affected families, urging calm as investigations continue. The National Police Service said it remains committed to establishing the truth behind the tragedy.
