CCTV footage recorded shortly before the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy has become a key focus of investigations into the tragedy that claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens of others injured.
The fire occurred in the early hours of May 28 at the school’s dormitory in Gilgil, Nakuru County, Kenya.
According to investigators, the footage shows five students entering the dormitory at about 12:10 a.m. while most occupants were asleep. The group was reportedly seen moving through the building, briefly stopping at one section before proceeding further inside.
Detectives alleged that one of the students attempted to conceal her face from surveillance cameras while carrying a slipper, which investigators believe may have been used to reduce noise while moving through the dormitory.
Authorities further claimed that three students later moved toward the dormitory entrance, leaving two others behind. Investigators allege that the two remaining students ignited the initial fire before leaving the scene.
According to preliminary findings, a second fire was allegedly started in an area where mattresses were stored, causing the flames to spread more rapidly throughout the building.
Investigators said the suspects reportedly left the dormitory without raising an alarm after the fires had taken hold.
Within minutes, smoke and flames spread through the structure, triggering panic among students who awoke to the unfolding emergency. The fire reportedly intensified quickly, trapping many occupants inside the building.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the blaze was deliberately started near the main entrance of the dormitory, which served as the primary evacuation route. Detectives also allege that kerosene had been applied around the area, accelerating the spread of the fire and restricting escape options.
The tragedy claimed the lives of 16 students, while 79 others sustained injuries during attempts to flee the burning dormitory.
Authorities reported that 10 victims were found near the entrance area where the fire is believed to have originated, while six others were discovered deeper inside the building.
Eight students have since been arrested in connection with the incident.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), forensic experts conducted an extensive analysis of the CCTV footage at the National Police Service Forensics Laboratory, leading to the identification of the students allegedly involved in the arson attack.
The agency stated that further analysis, carried out in collaboration with teachers, helped investigators confirm the identities of those suspected of participating in the incident before fleeing the scene.
“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 realised,” the statement said.