Police investigations into the deadly fire that killed 16 students and several others injured at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, have taken a dramatic turn after detectives identified eight students as key persons of interest in what authorities now suspect was a planned arson attack.
In a statement released on Friday, May 29, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said that the eight girls had been arrested and were assisting detectives with investigations into the Thursday night inferno that razed part of the school’s Meline Waithera Dormitory.
“Preliminary investigations have identified eight students as persons of interest in connection with the planning and execution of the suspected arson attack. The eight girls have since been arrested and are currently in police custody. Detectives continue to record statements and analyse all available evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events, establish the full circumstances of the incident, and determine the motive.” Reads statement in part
Authorities have also interviewed students, teachers and other witnesses while reviewing CCTV footage from the school in an effort to reconstruct the events leading up to the tragedy.
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The gutted dormitory, a two-storey structure housing 135 double-decker beds, suffered extensive destruction on the upper floor where the fire is believed to have spread rapidly. The ground floor remained largely intact.
A specialised multi-agency investigation team led by the Director of Homicide has since taken over the case. The team includes Crime Scene Investigators, forensic imaging experts, intelligence officers and DNA specialists.
The DCI appealed for calm and patience from the public and bereaved families as investigations continue.
“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 and to ensure justice is served,” the statement read.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns over safety standards, student welfare and fire preparedness in Kenyan boarding schools.
By Juma Ndigo
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