Eight girls arrested on suspicion of arson after Kenya school fire | Police News
Tragic Fire at Gilgil Boarding School Claims 16 Lives
GILGIL, Kenya (AP) — A devastating fire at the Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School early Thursday morning has resulted in the deaths of 16 students and injuries to 79 others, according to local police.
Authorities reported that at least eight students have been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the incident. The Directorate of Criminal Investigation stated in a Friday announcement that these individuals are considered “persons of interest” in the suspected arson attack.
“The eight girls have since been arrested and are currently in police custody,” the statement read.
Parents flocked to the school seeking information about their children, expressing frustration over the lack of communication from officials. Al Jazeera reporter Catherine Soi, on-site, noted that parents were anxious, particularly those who had not seen their children.
“One parent expressed that they haven’t seen their child at all, possibly indicating the tragic loss of life,” Soi reported.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, student Hilda Njeri, who was present in one of the affected dorms, described the harrowing experience. “I was badly injured on my leg, and my lower back was badly injured,” she said, adding that the school principal ensured students received medical assistance and that treatment costs were covered.
Njeri relayed her struggle during the fire, stating, “The fire was very big; we could not pass through because we had no water to extinguish it, so we had to jump through the window.”
Kenyan Education Minister Julius Ogamba announced that preliminary investigations indicate two teachers were aware of students’ alleged plans but failed to intervene. He also highlighted safety violations, such as overcrowded dormitories and a locked emergency exit.
In response to the tragedy, the government has disbanded the school’s board of management and vowed to pursue legal and disciplinary action against any staff members found negligent.
This incident adds to a distressing history of school fires in Kenya. In 2024, a fire at a primary boarding school in Nyeri County claimed 21 lives, and a 2001 arson attack at Kyanguli Secondary School resulted in the deaths of 67 students.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
