New CCTV footage has surfaced, shedding light on the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed 16 lives and injured many. This footage is crucial in the investigation of one of Kenya’s most devastating school incidents.
At around 12:10 a.m., five students entered the dormitory while most were asleep, unaware of the impending danger. They moved silently, stopping briefly at Cube 11, and did not exchange words.
One student attempted to hide her face while carrying a slipper to muffle their footsteps. Moments later, three students rushed toward the entrance, leaving two behind, who allegedly ignited the first fire with a matchbox before calmly exiting.
The fire quickly spread after they moved to another area with stored mattresses. Within minutes, smoke and flames filled the dormitory, causing panic among the students.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire was intentionally started near the main entrance, which was the primary escape route, complicating the situation further. Tragically, 16 students lost their lives, and 79 were injured while trying to escape.
In response to this tragedy, police swiftly arrested eight students connected to the incident. A breakthrough came after a detailed forensic analysis of the CCTV footage, which helped identify those involved.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for all schools to install CCTV cameras to bolster security and monitor student movement. He emphasized the importance of character development alongside academic achievement, urging students to reflect on their actions and prioritize moral grounding.
Let’s work together to ensure a safer, more supportive environment for all students.
