The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified investigations into the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, as detectives search for a student believed to be linked to the incident that claimed the lives of 16 students.
In a statement issued on May 31, the DCI said investigators had identified seven suspects after reviewing CCTV footage at the agency’s Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory.
Six of the students who were earlier arrested have since been positively identified through forensic analysis and remain under investigation.
However, detectives revealed that one of the suspects is not in custody.
The student had previously been released to her parents before investigators completed their review of the footage. Authorities are now working to trace and locate her as part of the ongoing inquiry into the tragic incident.
The fire broke out on the night of May 28, causing one of the deadliest school tragedies in recent years.
The blaze left 16 students dead and more than 70 others injured, sending shockwaves across the country and sparking grief among families, students, and education stakeholders.
According to investigators, locating the missing student is an important step in establishing what happened before and during the fire.
Detectives have appealed to the public to provide any information that could help identify her whereabouts or assist with the broader investigation.
The tragedy has also renewed concerns about safety standards in schools, with many Kenyans calling for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Questions have been raised about emergency preparedness, dormitory safety, and the ability of schools to respond quickly to disasters.
President William Ruto directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the fire and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also pledged a transparent inquiry to establish the cause of the incident and provide answers to affected families.
Post-mortem examinations conducted at Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital confirmed that all 16 victims died from severe burn injuries. Due to the extent of the burns, authorities have relied on DNA samples collected from relatives to formally identify the deceased.
The DCI has urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, saying every lead could help uncover the circumstances behind the tragedy and support efforts to deliver justice for the victims and their families.
