Utumishi Girls Fire Takes New Twist as DCI Arrests 8 Students

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested eight students in connection with the fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students.

In a statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, the DCI said preliminary investigations had identified the eight girls as persons of interest in the suspected arson attack at the school.

“Investigators have conducted extensive interviews with students, teaching staff, and other witnesses, while forensic teams carry out a detailed review of available CCTV footage. Preliminary investigations have identified eight students as persons of interest in connection with the planning and execution of the suspected arson attack,” read part of the statement.

DCI Begins Investigations Regarding Utumishi Girls Fire Incident

Police said the students are currently in custody as investigations continue.

The fire broke out on Thursday, May 28, at the school’s Meline Waithera Dormitory. The upper floor of the two-storey building was badly damaged by the fire, while the lower floor remained mostly untouched.

Also Read: Parliament Clarifies Claims That Ruto Ignored Utumishi Girls Issue at National Prayer Breakfast

The DCI said a special investigation team led by the Director of Homicide has taken over the case after rescue and recovery operations ended.

The team includes crime scene experts, forensic officers, intelligence officers, and DNA specialists.

Police said investigators are trying to establish where the fire started and what may have caused it.

“A meticulous examination of the scene led to the recovery of sixteen bodies, all of which were moved to Naivasha Sub-county Referral Hospital Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and formal identification,” the DCI said.

Police Reviewing CCTV Footage

Detectives have started interviewing students, teachers, and other witnesses as part of the investigation.

Police are also reviewing CCTV footage and analysing evidence collected from the dormitory.

Also Read: Fire Breaks Out at Gacharage Secondary School Hours After Utumishi Academy Incident

According to investigators, the affected upper floor had 12 cubicles with 135 double-decker beds.

The DCI said investigations are focusing on possible ignition sources, burn patterns, and electrical installations.

The National Police Service asked parents, guardians, and members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue.

The agency also sent condolences to the families of the students who died and wished those injured a quick recovery.

“The Directorate assures all stakeholders that a thorough, professional, and impartial investigation is underway to establish the exact cause and full circumstances surrounding the fire,” the statement added.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

DCI Office Headquarters in Kiambu,Kenya. PHOTO/DCI