The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced a major breakthrough in investigations into the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students on May 28, 2026.

In a statement issued on Sunday, May 31, the DCI said forensic analysis of CCTV footage recovered from the school had enabled investigators to identify students believed to have been involved in starting the fire.

“After conducting a thorough detailed forensic analysis of the CCTV footage recovered from the school coupled with enhanced review at the Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory at DCI National Police Service Forensics Laboratory, a positive identification of the students who lit the fire has been realized,” the statement said.

According to the agency, further examination of the footage, conducted in collaboration with teachers, confirmed the identities of seven students who allegedly participated in the arson before fleeing the scene.

The DCI revealed that six of the students are among eight suspects who had earlier been arrested and have now been positively identified through the footage. The seventh student had previously been released to her parents and is currently not in custody.

“Of the eight suspects previously arrested, six have been positively identified and confirmed through the footage. 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,” the agency stated.

The latest update comes as post-mortem examinations on the 16 victims were completed at the Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital Mortuary by a team of pathologists led by Dr. Dorothy Njeri. The examinations established that all the students died from severe burn injuries sustained during the fire.

The DCI said families of the deceased were allowed to view the bodies with support from Kenya Red Cross psychosocial teams, while DNA samples were collected from relatives to facilitate formal identification due to the extent of the burns.

The agency extended its condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those still receiving treatment.

“The National Police Service reiterates its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends, and the entire school community. We also wish quick recovery to those still receiving medical treatment,” the statement read.

The DCI further thanked parents, students, guardians and members of the public for cooperating with investigators and urged anyone with information that could assist the probe to come forward.

“The DCI remains committed to conducting a thorough, professional, and impartial inquiry to deliver justice for the victims and their families,” the agency said.

Investigations into the cause and circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain ongoing, with authorities promising to provide additional updates as more developments emerge.