10 Utumishi students detained over fire probe

Police have detained more than 10 students from Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru as investigations intensify into the deadly dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left dozens injured.

The tragic incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, has now taken a new turn after detectives began treating the fire as a possible arson case. Investigators are pursuing several leads, including claims that some students may have had information linked to the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

According to preliminary investigations, the fire broke out at around 12:45am and quickly spread through the upper floor of one of the dormitories, trapping students inside as panic gripped the school.

Police reports indicate that at least 79 students sustained injuries during the incident, with many rushed to different hospitals in Nakuru and nearby towns for treatment. Authorities later confirmed that 71 of the injured students had been treated and discharged, while others remained under medical observation.

Detectives handling the case reportedly isolated the detained students inside one of the school blocks as questioning continued throughout Thursday night. Several other learners who had already left the school with their parents and guardians were also recalled to record statements and assist investigators.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is now examining multiple claims from survivors and witnesses, including allegations that security lights within the school compound are switched off every night at around 10:10pm. Investigators are also probing reports that the affected dormitory may have been locked from the outside, making it difficult for students to escape once the fire started.

Authorities are further investigating whether pressure related to upcoming examinations may have contributed to the suspected arson incident.

Government pathologists involved in the investigation revealed that some of the bodies recovered from the scene were burnt beyond recognition, complicating the identification process for affected families.

At the time of the tragedy, the school reportedly had 815 students, with 808 present within the institution during the fire while seven others were away for undisclosed reasons.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba urged Kenyans to avoid speculation as investigations continue, saying authorities must first establish whether the school complied with existing safety regulations and emergency preparedness guidelines.

The tragedy has sparked fresh concern over school safety standards in the country, with parents and education stakeholders now calling for tighter enforcement of dormitory safety measures to prevent similar disasters in future.