Fresh investigations into the tragic Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School dormitory fire have revealed a major breakthrough after forensic experts identified six students at the scene through CCTV footage. Detectives are now pursuing a seventh suspect as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances behind the inferno that claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens injured.

Highlights

• DCI has identified six students through CCTV footage.
• Detectives are searching for a seventh suspect who is not in custody.
• Investigators say seven students were involved in the alleged arson.
• The fire killed 16 students and injured 79 others.
• Post-mortem examinations confirmed all victims died from severe burns.

Main Story

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the devastating fire that swept through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School.

According to investigators, forensic analysis of CCTV footage recovered from the school has positively identified six students who were allegedly involved in setting the fire before leaving the scene.

CCTV Footage Provides Key Evidence

The footage was examined at the National Police Service Forensics Laboratory through the Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory.

The DCI stated that forensic experts worked alongside teachers from the school to review and verify the identities of students captured in the recordings.

Investigators say the analysis confirmed the involvement of seven students in the incident.

Of the seven identified, six are among the suspects who had previously been arrested and remain under investigation.

Search For Seventh Suspect

Detectives have now launched a manhunt for the seventh student, who had earlier been released into the custody of her parents and is currently not in police custody.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate and question the student as investigations continue.

The latest development is expected to strengthen the prosecution’s case as investigators piece together events leading up to the deadly blaze.

Tragedy That Shocked The Nation

The fire broke out on May 28, 2026, at the school’s Meline Waithera Dormitory, triggering one of the deadliest school disasters in recent years.

The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 16 students while 79 others sustained injuries of varying severity.

The incident sparked national mourning and renewed calls for improved safety measures in boarding schools across the country.

Post-Mortem Findings Released

A team of pathologists led by Dr. Dorothy Njeri conducted post-mortem examinations on all 16 victims at Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Mortuary.

The examinations confirmed that every victim succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained during the fire.

As investigations progress, authorities are expected to determine the motive behind the alleged arson and whether additional individuals may have played a role in the incident.

As families continue to grieve the loss of young lives, the findings mark a crucial step toward uncovering the truth behind a tragedy that has shaken the nation.