The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students on May 28, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday, May 31, the DCI said forensic analysis of CCTV footage recovered from the school played a crucial role in identifying students suspected of being involved in starting 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 agency stated.
According to the DCI, further enhanced review of the footage was conducted in collaboration with teachers, leading to the identification of seven students allegedly linked to the incident. Investigators say the students were seen before fleeing the scene after the fire began.
The agency further revealed that six of the identified students were among eight suspects previously arrested and are now positively confirmed through forensic video analysis. One additional student, who had earlier been released to her parents, is currently not in custody and remains the subject of an active search.
“Of the eight suspects previously arrested, six have been positively identified and confirmed through the footage. The seventh identified student was among those earlier released to their parents and is currently not in custody. Efforts are now underway to trace and arrest her,” the DCI added.
The update comes shortly after post-mortem examinations on all 16 victims were completed at the Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Mortuary. The exercise was led by a team of pathologists headed by Dr. Dorothy Njeri, who confirmed that all the students died from severe burn injuries sustained during the fire.
During the process, families of the deceased were allowed to view the bodies with psychosocial support from the Kenya Red Cross Society, which also assisted in providing counselling services to grieving relatives. DNA samples were collected from family members to assist in formal identification due to the extent of the burns on the victims’ bodies.
The DCI extended its condolences to the bereaved families and expressed sympathy to those affected by the tragedy, including students who are still receiving medical treatment.
“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 read.
The agency also thanked parents, guardians, students, and members of the public for cooperating with investigators, urging anyone with additional information that could assist the probe to come forward.
The DCI reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough, professional, and impartial investigation aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
Investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing, with authorities indicating that further updates will be released as new evidence emerges.
