The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced a major breakthrough in investigations into the deadly fire that claimed the lives of 16 students at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
In a statement issued on May 31, 2026, the DCI said forensic analysis of CCTV footage recovered from the school had enabled investigators to identify the students believed to have started the fire.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, May 28, 2026, and left 16 students dead in one of the country’s worst school fire disasters in recent years.
According to the DCI, investigators conducted a detailed forensic review of the CCTV footage, supported by enhanced analysis at the Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory at the National Police Service Forensics Laboratory.
The agency said the review led to the positive identification of the students involved in igniting the fire.
“After conducting a thorough detailed forensic analysis of the CCTV footage recovered from the school coupled with enhanced review at the Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory at DCI National Police Service Forensics Laboratory, a positive identification of the students who lit the fire has been realized,” the statement said.
Further analysis of the footage, carried out in collaboration with teachers at the institution, enabled investigators to identify seven students who allegedly participated in the arson attack before fleeing the scene.
The DCI revealed that of the eight suspects who had previously been arrested, six were positively identified through the CCTV footage.
A seventh student identified through the investigation had earlier been released to her parents and is currently not in police custody.
“Efforts are now underway to trace and arrest her,” the DCI said.
Meanwhile, post-mortem examinations conducted on the bodies of the 16 victims confirmed that all died from severe burns sustained during the inferno.
The examinations were carried out at the Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Mortuary by a team of pathologists led by Dr Dorothy Njeri.
The DCI said the Kenya Red Cross provided psychosocial support to bereaved families during the identification process, with relatives being allowed to view the remains of their loved ones.
Due to the severity of the burns, DNA reference samples were collected from family members to facilitate formal identification of the victims.
“The examinations confirmed that all sixteen students died as a result of severe burns,” the statement noted.
The agency extended its condolences to the affected families and wished a speedy recovery to students still undergoing treatment following the tragedy.
“The National Police Service reiterates its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends, and the entire school community. We also wish quick recovery to those still receiving medical treatment,” the statement said.
The DCI thanked parents, students, teachers and members of the public for cooperating with investigators and urged anyone with additional information to continue assisting the probe.
“We particularly appreciate the parents and students who have actively assisted the investigators by providing statements and supporting the review of evidence. We urge anyone with additional information that may assist the on-going investigation to continue coming forward,” the agency said.
The DCI said it remains committed to conducting a thorough, professional and impartial investigation to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
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>>> Utumishi Girls Fire: 16 Killed, Survivors Reveal Suspected Arson
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