Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested eight students in connection with the tragic fire that razed a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School, claiming the lives of 16 students.
In a press release issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, the DCI confirmed that the girls were arrested following preliminary investigations that identified them as persons of interest in the planning and execution of what is now suspected to be a deliberate arson attack.
According to the investigative agency, the fire broke out on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Meline Waithera Dormitory, a two-storey building that housed 135 double-decker beds. The upper floor sustained extensive fire damage while the ground floor remained largely intact.
Sixteen bodies were recovered from the scene and moved to Naivasha Sub-county Referral Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations and identification.
DCI noted that a multi-agency team led by the DCI’s Director of Homicide, supported by forensic experts, crime scene investigators, and other agencies, has been working at the scene.
Investigators are analysing burn patterns, potential ignition sources, accelerants, electrical installations, and structural fire dynamics to establish the exact cause of the fire.
The eight girls are currently in police custody as detectives continue recording statements and analysing evidence.
“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,” DCI said.
“The eight girls have since been arrested and are currently in police custody,” DCI added.
The DCI appealed for calm, patience, and restraint from the public, parents, and guardians as investigations proceed, assuring stakeholders of a thorough, professional, and impartial probe to deliver justice and closure.
