DCI Pinpoints 7 Students in Utumishi Girls School Fire Probe

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reported significant progress in its investigation into the fatal fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which resulted in the deaths of 16 students on May 28, 2026. In a statement released on Sunday, May 31, the DCI indicated that forensic examination of CCTV footage from the school helped investigators identify students suspected of initiating the fire. “Following a comprehensive forensic analysis of the CCTV footage retrieved from the school, along with an advanced review at the Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory at DCI National Police Service Forensics Laboratory, we have successfully identified the students responsible for setting the fire,” the statement explained. According to the agency, further analysis of the footage, performed with teacher assistance, confirmed the identities of seven students who allegedly took part in the arson before escaping the area. The DCI disclosed that six of these students are among eight previously detained individuals who have now been positively identified through the video evidence. The seventh student had been released to her parents and remains at large. “Among the eight suspects previously arrested, six have been positively identified and verified through the footage. The seventh identified student was among those earlier released to their parents and is currently not in custody. Efforts are now being made to locate and apprehend her,” the agency reported. This development follows the completion of post-mortem examinations on the 16 victims at the Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Mortuary, conducted by a team of pathologists led by Dr. Dorothy Njeri. The examinations determined that all students died from severe burn injuries sustained in the fire. The DCI mentioned that families of the deceased were permitted to view the bodies with assistance from Kenya Red Cross psychosocial teams, while DNA samples were gathered from relatives to aid formal identification due to the extent of the burns. Inquiries into the cause and circumstances of the tragedy continue, with authorities promising to share further information as new details become available.