CCTV footage positively identifies seven girls behind Utumishi Girls school arson attack
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says forensic analysis of CCTV footage from the deadly Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School fire has positively identified seven students believed to have participated in the arson attack that killed 16 learners in Gilgil.
In a statement issued through their official social media platforms, the DCI say six of the eight students who were initially arrested have now been positively identified through CCTV footage recovered from the school and subjected to forensic examination at the National Police Service Forensics Laboratory.
Investigators note that a seventh student, who had earlier been released to her parents, was also identified as having participated in the incident and is currently being sought by authorities.
“Further analysis of the CCTV footage, conducted in collaboration with the teachers, has enabled the investigation team to confirm the identity of seven students who participated in the arson before escaping the scene,” the statement reads.
According to the DCI, the breakthrough follows an extensive review of CCTV footage and forensic imaging analysis as investigations into the May 28 dormitory fire continue.
The agency adds that efforts are underway to trace and arrest the seventh suspect.
Meanwhile, post-mortem examinations conducted at the Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Mortuary, on the 16 students who died in the tragedy confirmed that all succumbed to severe burn injuries.
The DCI note that DNA samples were also collected from families to assist in the formal identification of the bodies due to the extent of the burns suffered by the victims.
The agency further notes that the Kenya Red Cross had been providing psychosocial support to grieving families during the identification process.
The DCI appreciates parents, students, teachers and members of the public who have assisted investigators by providing statements and reviewing evidence, urging anyone with additional information to continue coming forward.
“The DCI remains committed to conducting a thorough, professional and impartial inquiry to deliver justice for the victims and their families,” the statement says.
The latest development comes days after authorities arrested eight students as persons of interest in the suspected arson attack that razed a dormitory at the school, leaving 16 students dead and 79 others injured. Preliminary investigations had indicated that the fire was deliberately started.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba also announced the dissolution of the school’s Board of Management following findings that the institution had violated safety regulations, including overcrowding in the dormitory and a locked exit door.
The Teachers Service Commission separately initiated disciplinary action against the school principal and two teachers after investigations revealed they had allegedly been informed of planned unrest by some learners but failed to take action.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, triggering one of the country's deadliest school tragedies in recent years.
Survivors recounted scenes of panic as students scrambled to escape the burning dormitory, with some forced to jump through windows after the blaze spread rapidly through the building.