Detectives investigating the deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil have identified seven students who allegedly participated in the arson attack that claimed the lives of 16 learners.
In a further update issued on Sunday, May 31, 2026, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, DCI, said investigators had made significant progress following a detailed forensic review of CCTV footage recovered from the school.
According to the DCI, the footage, analyzed alongside enhanced forensic imaging and acoustic examination at the National Police Service Forensic Laboratory, positively identified students while the fire was being realized.
The agency said further analysis of the CCTV footage, conducted in collaboration with teachers, enabled investigators to confirm the identities of seven students who allegedly participated in the arson before escaping from the scene.
Of the eight suspects who had earlier been arrested, six have now been positively identified and confirmed through the footage. One of the seven identified suspects was among those earlier released to her parents and is currently not in custody.
“Efforts are underway to trace and arrest her,” the DCI said in the statement.
The investigation marks a major development in a tragedy that has shaken the country and raised serious questions over school safety, student discipline, and accountability in learning institutions.
The fire broke out on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru county, killing 16 students and leaving several others injured.
The DCI also confirmed that post-mortem examinations on the bodies of the 16 deceased students had been conducted at Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Mortuary by a team of pathologists led by Dr. Dorothy Njeru.
The examinations established that all the 16 students died as a result of severe burns.
Due to the extent of the burns, DNA reference samples were collected from the families of the deceased to facilitate formal identification of the remains.
During the hospital process, Kenya Red Cross teams provided psychosocial support to bereaved families, who were allowed to view the bodies of their loved ones.
The National Police Service has conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends and the entire Utumishi school community, while wishing a quick recovery to those still receiving treatment.
The DCI also thanked parents, guardians, students and members of the public for cooperating with investigators, particularly those who provided statements and assisted in reviewing evidence.
The agency said it remains committed to conducting a thorough, professional and impartial inquiry to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
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