Arabic version: اعتقال ثمانية طلاب بتهمة الحرق العمد بعد حريق مدرسي مميت

Kenyan police have arrested eight female students on suspicion of arson following a tragic fire at the Utumishi Girls’ Academy Senior School, which resulted in the deaths of 16 students and injuries to 79 others. The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning, prompting an extensive investigation by authorities. According to ABC News, police spent the entire day on Thursday questioning 30 students and reviewing CCTV footage to piece together the events leading up to the blaze.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has stated that a motive is yet to be established. In light of the incident, Education Minister Julius Ogamba announced that the school’s board of management has been dissolved and the principal will face disciplinary action for failing to comply with the safety manual. Reports indicate that the dormitory was overcrowded and that one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements.

Two teachers who were aware of planned unrest that may have led to the suspected arson will also face disciplinary measures. Parents of the students have expressed frustration and concern, with one parent stating they had not received any information regarding the arrested students or the general situation at the school.

The bodies of the deceased students were taken to a government hospital morgue on Thursday and are undergoing DNA testing to ascertain their identities. This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about safety in East African schools, where overcrowding and lack of firefighting equipment have been longstanding issues. Previous incidents, such as a 2024 fire in Nyeri County that killed 21 students, further underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures in educational institutions.