Authorities in Kenya have arrested eight students after a horrifying fire ripped through an all-girls school dormitory, killing 16 students and injuring nearly 80 others as classmates slept.
The deadly blaze broke out at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, located in Nakuru County, early Thursday morning.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire was reported at around 3:30 a.m. local time. The emergency response organization said 123 students were affected by the tragedy, with some rushed to hospitals for treatment.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said Friday that investigators have now identified eight girls as persons of interest in connection with what authorities suspect was an intentional arson attack.
“Investigators have conducted extensive interviews with students, teaching staff, and other witnesses, while forensic teams carry out a detailed review of available CCTV footage,” the DCI said in a statement.
Authorities said preliminary findings pointed to the eight students in connection with the alleged “planning and execution” of the suspected attack.
“The eight girls have since been arrested and are currently in police custody,” the agency said.
Detectives are continuing to record statements and analyze evidence as they work to piece together exactly what happened, what led to the fire, and whether there was a motive.
The fire reportedly broke out inside a two-story dormitory while students were sleeping. Some girls were forced to jump from the upper floor to escape the flames.
“Some of those at the top floor had to jump out, that’s why they are injured,” Wambui Nderitu, whose cousin attends the school, told the BBC.
Nderitu said her cousin was one of the students who jumped from the dormitory and suffered a broken leg.
The Kenya Red Cross said it has been supporting affected students and families with psychosocial care and tracing services as the response continues.
In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders have also begun discussing ways to strengthen school safety and fire preparedness at learning institutions.
The names of the eight arrested students were not released.
The DCI said the National Police Service is offering condolences to the families and the school community devastated by the fire.
“The National Police Service conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends, and the entire school community following this heartbreaking tragedy,” the agency said. “We also wish a swift recovery to all those receiving medical treatment.”
Officials also asked the public, parents and guardians to remain calm while the investigation continues.
“The DCI acknowledges the profound sensitivity and emotional weight of this incident and appeals to the public, parents, and guardians for calm, patience, and restraint as investigations continue,” the agency said.
The directorate said a “thorough, professional, and impartial investigation” is underway to determine the exact cause and full circumstances of the fire and to ensure justice is served.
