Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has revealed that CCTV footage from the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy appears to show students deliberately setting the blaze that claimed the lives of 16 schoolgirls.
Speaking on Sunday, May 31, Murkomen said he had personally reviewed surveillance footage obtained by investigators and was deeply distressed by what he saw. “I was reviewing the CCTV footage of Utumishi Academy, and I felt very sad. I even struggled to sleep because we could see the kids who were coming to light the fire,” he said.
The remarks come as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations continues investigations into what authorities suspect was an arson attack at the girls’ boarding school in Gilgil, located in Nakuru County. Eight students have already been arrested in connection with the incident.
According to Murkomen, the footage appears to show students entering the dormitory and igniting the fire despite being aware that fellow students were asleep inside. Investigators said witness statements, CCTV recordings and forensic evidence helped detectives identify the eight suspects.
Authorities have yet to announce formal charges as investigations continue into the motive and circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The fire broke out on 28 May at the boarding school in Gilgil, about 120 kilometres northwest of Nairobi, killing 16 students and leaving 79 others injured.
The incident is one of Kenya’s deadliest school fires in recent years and has renewed concerns about safety standards, student welfare and discipline in boarding schools across the country.