Detectives have detained more than 10 students from Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, as investigations intensify into the deadly dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left dozens injured.
Police believe the fire, which broke out in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, at around 12:45 am, may have been an arson attack.
The blaze reportedly engulfed the upper floor of one of the school’s dormitories, trapping students inside and resulting in one of the deadliest school fire tragedies in recent years.
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According to investigators, at least 79 students sustained injuries during the incident and were rushed to various hospitals for treatment.
Authorities have since confirmed that 71 of the injured students have been discharged after receiving medical attention and being declared stable.
As part of the ongoing investigations, detectives have isolated more than 10 students who are considered key witnesses or persons of interest.
The students reportedly spent Thursday night under police supervision in one of the school’s blocks as investigators continued questioning them about the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Additionally, several learners who had already left the institution with their parents and guardians have reportedly been recalled to assist detectives with the inquiry.
Investigators are pursuing several leads, including claims from survivors that security lights within the school compound are routinely switched off every night at exactly 10:10 pm.
Authorities are examining whether this practice may have affected emergency response efforts or contributed to the severity of the tragedy.
Another key line of investigation focuses on allegations that the affected dormitory may have been locked from the outside, potentially preventing students from escaping when the fire broke out.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is also exploring whether pressure related to upcoming examinations scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, may have played a role in the suspected arson attack.
Meanwhile, a government pathologist involved in the investigation disclosed that some of the bodies recovered from the scene were burnt beyond recognition, making the identification process difficult and likely requiring DNA analysis.
At the time of the incident, Utumishi Girls Academy had a total student population of 815 learners. Authorities indicated that 808 students were present in the school during the tragedy, while seven others were reportedly away from the institution for undisclosed reasons.
Speaking to the media following the incident, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba urged the public to avoid speculation regarding the cause of the fire, emphasizing that investigations are still ongoing.
“Let’s not be speculative at this stage. We have a school safety manual that all schools adhere to. Let’s wait and see if the manual was adhered to after the investigation,” Ogamba stated.
The tragic incident has reignited concerns over school safety standards, emergency preparedness, and student welfare in boarding institutions across the country as authorities work to establish the exact cause of the fire.