Fresh questions have emerged over alleged CCTV images purportedly linked to the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, as inconsistencies in the widely circulated visuals cast doubt on whether they accurately depict events surrounding the incident.
The images, which have been shared extensively on social media, are claimed to have been extracted from CCTV footage connected to the fire that claimed the lives of at least 16 students.
However, a notable discrepancy in the timestamps has sparked concerns about their authenticity and relevance to the tragedy.
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According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire broke out at approximately 3:30 a.m. on May 28 while students were asleep in the dormitory.
Yet the alleged CCTV images bear a timestamp of 11:56 p.m. on the same date, several hours after the fire is believed to have occurred.
The mismatch has left many questioning whether the images were captured before, during, or after the incident.
Adding to the uncertainty, no actual video footage has been released to the public despite claims that CCTV recordings exist. Only still images have surfaced online, making it difficult to independently verify the events they allegedly portray.
Social media users have also raised concerns about the content of the images, particularly the appearance of students who appear to be fully dressed in school uniforms late at night.
Some online commentators questioned why students would be wearing full uniforms, including socks, close to midnight if the images were indeed captured around the time of the fire.
Others have pointed out that the images do not clearly show mattresses being arranged or any activity consistent with claims that students were involved in preparing for an arson attack.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the arrest of eight students identified as persons of interest in connection with the suspected arson attack.
In a statement issued on May 29, the DCI said preliminary investigations had linked the eight students to the planning and execution of the fire and that they are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The agency stated that detectives are recording statements, reviewing evidence, and analyzing available CCTV footage to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish the motive behind the incident.
Forensic experts are also examining burn patterns, possible ignition sources, and whether accelerants were used. Investigators are further assessing the dormitory’s electrical systems and fire dynamics to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
The devastating fire occurred at the school’s dormitory in Gilgil, leaving 16 students dead and several others injured.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that one of the dormitory exits was locked at the time of the incident, potentially trapping students inside.
He further noted that the school had failed to fully comply with safety requirements outlined in the School Safety Manual and Basic Education Regulations.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while forensic experts work to establish the facts surrounding one of the country’s deadliest school fire tragedies in recent years.