The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested eight students in connection with the suspected arson attack at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, that claimed the lives of 16 students.
In a statement released on Friday, the DCI said preliminary investigations had identified the eight girls as persons of interest in the planning and execution of the tragic dormitory fire that occurred on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The suspects are currently in police custody as detectives continue recording statements, analysing evidence, and reviewing CCTV footage to establish the motive and sequence of events leading to the deadly blaze.
The DCI noted that a dedicated multi-agency investigation team led by the Director of Homicide has taken over the case following the conclusion of emergency response and rescue operations coordinated by the National Police Service and several government agencies.
Investigators processed the scene at the Meline Waithera Dormitory, a two-storey building where the first floor sustained extensive fire damage while the ground floor remained largely intact. The affected upper floor consisted of 12 cubicles accommodating 135 double-decker beds.
According to the DCI, forensic experts, including Crime Scene Investigators, forensic DNA specialists, and officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau’s Forensic Imaging and Acoustics Unit, have been deployed to establish the exact cause of the fire.
Authorities said 16 bodies were recovered from the dormitory and transferred to Naivasha Sub-county Referral Hospital Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and formal identification.
Crime scene processing and documentation are still ongoing as investigators seek to determine the fire’s point of origin, analyse burn patterns, identify possible ignition sources, establish whether accelerants were used, and assess the integrity of electrical installations and structural fire dynamics.
The DCI said investigators have already interviewed students, teachers, and other witnesses as part of the ongoing probe.
The National Police Service conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and the school community, while wishing a quick recovery to those injured in the incident.
The Directorate also appealed to parents, guardians, and members of the public to remain calm and patient as investigations continue, assuring Kenyans that a thorough, professional, and impartial inquiry is underway to ensure justice for the victims and their families.