Kenyan Police Arrest Eight Students After Deadly School Fire

Kenyan police have arrested eight students on suspicion of planning and carrying out an arson attack that killed 16 students at a girls' boarding school. The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, about 120 km northwest of Nairobi.

The blaze tore through the upper floor of a dormitory housing 135 bunk beds. Seventy-nine students were injured, some while jumping from the first floor to escape. Seven of the injured were transferred to Nairobi for specialized care.

After reviewing CCTV footage, conducting forensic examinations, and interviewing students and staff, investigators identified the eight students as persons of interest. The students were traced to their homes, brought back to the school, and placed in custody.

Forensic teams are examining burn patterns, ignition sources, electrical installations, and possible accelerants to determine the exact cause of the fire. A multi-agency team of homicide detectives, forensic experts, and intelligence officers has taken over the probe.

Education officials stated that preliminary findings showed multiple safety breaches, including dormitory overcrowding and a locked exit door. The school's board of management was dissolved, and disciplinary action was ordered against the headteacher.

Parents gathered at the school seeking information about their children. Some were directed into groups based on whether their children had been arrested, had died, or remained unaccounted for. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Naivasha Sub-county Referral Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations and identification.

“In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements.”

Kenya has experienced repeated school fires in recent years. Two years ago, at least 21 people died in a similar dormitory incident. Overcrowding and failure to keep exits clear have frequently been cited as factors increasing casualties in such fires.