At least eight girls have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a devastating fire at a boarding school in Kenya that left 16 students dead and 79 others injured.
The fire broke out early Thursday at the Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School in Gilgil, west-central Kenya, prompting a major emergency response and an ongoing criminal investigation.
Police said the arrested students have been identified as “persons of interest” in the suspected planning and execution of the fire. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirmed that they are currently in custody as investigations continue.
The tragedy has shocked the country, with parents and relatives gathering at the school, many still searching for information about their children. Authorities say the situation remains under active investigation, including the possibility of deliberate arson.
Education officials revealed that early findings suggest some staff were aware of alleged student plans but failed to intervene. The government has also pointed to safety lapses at the school, including overcrowded dormitories and a locked emergency exit.
Officials have since disbanded the school’s board of management and promised disciplinary action against anyone found responsible for negligence.
Survivors described chaotic scenes during the fire, with students forced to escape through windows as flames spread rapidly through the dormitory. Many sustained injuries while fleeing the burning building.
The incident adds to a troubling history of school fires in Kenya, raising renewed concerns about boarding school safety standards and emergency preparedness across the country.
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