CCTV footage from Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, has emerged as a key piece of evidence in investigations into a deadly dormitory fire that killed 16 students and injured more than 70 others earlier this week.
According to reports, eight students from the school have been arrested in connection with the blaze after surveillance cameras allegedly captured their movements inside the Mary Waiathera dormitory moments before the fire broke out.
The footage reportedly shows a group of students entering the dormitory at around 12:10 a.m. while most of their fellow students were asleep. Investigators say the students were seen walking toward an area identified as Cube 11, where they briefly stopped and appeared to confer with one another. One of the individuals was allegedly seen attempting to conceal their face from the camera.
Authorities say the students were carrying their sandals by hand and moved quietly through the dormitory before events started.
About a minute later, several of the students were reportedly captured running away from the section of the dormitory after setting fire to CUBE 13. However, two individuals remained behind carrying what investigators believe was a bag and a box of matches. The pair allegedly ignited a fire in CUBE 11 and then moved to another area of the dormitory where bedsheets and other flammable materials were stored.
Investigators believe a second fire was started there before the suspects calmly walked away, leaving the flames to spread through the building.
By approximately 12:13 a.m., the footage reportedly shows the fire rapidly expanding across sections of the dormitory. Some students were awakened by the smoke and flames and were seen fleeing for safety as the blaze intensified.
Within minutes, the fire had engulfed large parts of the building, trapping some students inside. Investigators believe kerosene was used to accelerate the spread of the fire.
Reports indicate that one of the fires was started near an exit door, limiting escape routes for students attempting to flee. As the flames spread, several students were reportedly unable to reach safety after finding an emergency exit locked.
Authorities say 10 students died near one of the exits, while six others were found in different parts of the dormitory after the fire was extinguished.
The CCTV recordings are among several pieces of evidence being examined by investigators as they seek to establish the circumstances surrounding one of Kenya’s deadliest school fires in recent years.
Police have confirmed that eight suspects are currently in custody, including an alleged main suspect who had previously been allowed to leave the school before being rearrested.
The fire caused extensive damage to the dormitory and left scores of students requiring medical treatment. Investigators have appealed to parents and members of the public to remain patient as inquiries continue.
Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
