Forensic evidence places seven students at scene of Utumishi Girls fire, one still at large

The DCI said forensic analysis of footage recovered from the school — reviewed at the Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory at DCI National Police Service Forensics Laboratory and conducted in collaboration with teachers — positively identified all seven students who participated in the arson before fleeing the scene. 

Six of the eight suspects previously arrested have been confirmed through the footage. 

The seventh, who had earlier been released to her parents, is not in custody and is currently being hunted by detectives.

The fire broke out on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the school's Meline Waithera Dormitory, killing 16 students and leaving 79 others injured.

Post-mortem examinations on all sixteen victims were carried out at Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Mortuary by a team of pathologists led by Dr. Dorothy Njeri, which confirmed that all sixteen students died as a result of severe burns. 

DNA reference samples were collected from the families of the deceased to enable formal identification, necessitated by the extent of the burns.

The Kenya Red Cross was present at the mortuary, providing psychosocial support to grieving families who were allowed to view the bodies of their loved ones.

The Ministry of Education had already dissolved the school's Board of Management for failing to comply with the School Safety Manual and Basic Education Regulations, with investigators pointing to an overcrowded dormitory and a locked exit door as critical lapses. 

Three teachers are also facing disciplinary action.

The DCI has urged anyone with additional information to come forward, saying it remains committed to a thorough and impartial inquiry to deliver justice for the victims and their families.