ALARM As 7 Suspect Students Of Utumishi Girls Disappear After Release
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated a search for one of seven students identified as suspects in the horrific fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School, which killed 16 students.
According to a public notice issued by DCI on May 31, the suspect, a student, was among those previously released to her parents but has since gone missing, with detectives working to locate her.
She is the seventh student positively identified from CCTV footage evaluated at the DCI Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory, but unlike the others, she is not being held.
“Of the eight suspects previously arrested, six have been positively identified and confirmed through the footage,” stated DCI.
“The seventh identified student was among those earlier released to their parents and is currently not in custody. Efforts are now underway to trace and arrest her.”
FURTHER UPDATE ON INVESTIGATION INTO FIRE INCIDENT AT UTUMISHI GIRLS SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL pic.twitter.com/Nia5O0qARt— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) May 31, 2026
DCI further confirmed that the remaining six identified suspects, as seen in the CCTV footage, are among the eight students arrested earlier, all of whom have been placed before the footage and confirmed.
An investigation has since been launched, with active efforts to trace and arrest the missing student, describing the development as a key priority in the ongoing investigation.
The fire broke out on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
It claimed the lives of 16 students and injured more than 70 others in a devastating blaze that shook the nation.
Leaders alike, including President William Ruto, have ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, reiterating that justice will be served in the long run.
Seven girls were captured by CCTV burning UTUMISHI GIRLS dormitory. Out of the 8 eight in police custody, 6 of those captured on CCTV were among them.
By the time DCI were releasing the statement on this progress they had already dispatched their team to pick the 7th suspect.… pic.twitter.com/rkf45GYgZF— Ⓝⓖ’ⓞⓡⓞⓡⓘⓔⓣ🐐🇰🇪 (@baroswahjr) May 31, 2026
Attorney General Beatrice Oduor and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen both pledged urgent, transparent inquiries.
Murkomen confirmed all relevant government agencies had been fully deployed to establish the root cause and pursue accountability.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka demanded comprehensive measures to address recurring dormitory fires nationally.
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The KNCHR highlighted systemic failures in implementing past school safety recommendations, urging swift action to prevent future tragedies.
On the other front, post-mortem examinations conducted at Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Mortuary confirmed all 16 students died from severe burns.
Government pathologist Dr. Dorothy Njeri led the examination team.
Due to the extent of the burns, formal identification of the remains required DNA reference samples, which were collected from the families of the deceased to match against the victims.
DCI has urged anyone with information on the missing suspects or the broader investigation to come forward.
They reiterated their deepest condolences to all bereaved families and the wider school community.
ALARM As 7 Suspect Students Of Utumishi Girls Disappear After Release
