Two Teachers Knew Of Planned Utumishi Girls Dormitory Fire But Failed To Act

Fresh details have emerged in the tragic Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School fire in Gilgil after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that two teachers had been warned in advance about a planned unrest by a section of students but allegedly failed to take action.

The revelations came as investigations into the deadly inferno intensified, with detectives now treating the incident as a suspected arson attack that left 16 students dead and dozens injured.

In a statement issued Friday, Ogamba said preliminary findings indicate that some Form Three learners had discussed plans for unrest before the fire broke out at the Meline Waithera Dormitory.

According to the CS, two teachers were informed of the brewing situation but did not take appropriate preventive measures.

“Preliminary investigations have established that the tragic fire was an act of arson,” Ogamba said, adding that the government would pursue both disciplinary and criminal accountability if negligence is established.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has already arrested eight students identified as persons of interest in the case. The learners are currently being questioned as investigators seek to determine their individual roles in the planning and execution of the fire.

Authorities say those found culpable will face charges under the Penal Code and other applicable laws.

The fire, one of the deadliest school tragedies in recent years, tore through the upper floor of the two-storey dormitory, trapping students inside during the night.

Investigators from the DCI’s multi-agency team said the ground floor remained largely intact while the upper section suffered extensive damage. The dormitory reportedly contained twelve cubicles fitted with 135 double-decker beds, raising fresh concerns about overcrowding and compliance with school safety regulations.

Officials now believe the dormitory’s congested layout may have worsened the disaster and slowed evacuation efforts.

Ogamba further disclosed that preliminary findings had uncovered serious safety breaches at the school, including a locked exit door, a violation of the Ministry of Education’s School Safety Manual and Basic Education Regulations.

“In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory, and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements,” the CS said.

The revelation has intensified scrutiny on school administrators and education officials over possible lapses in duty of care.

The government says investigations are now extending beyond the students suspected of arson to include teachers, school administrators, Ministry of Education officers and officials from the Teachers Service Commission.

Ogamba warned that disciplinary and legal action would be taken against any public officers found to have ignored warning signs or failed to enforce safety standards.

The tragedy left 79 learners injured, with seven currently receiving specialised treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital after being transferred from Nakuru on Thursday. The remaining students were treated and discharged.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the 16 deceased learners were moved to the Naivasha Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where DNA identification is ongoing due to the condition of some of the remains.

Parents and guardians have been asked to report to the facility to assist with identification procedures.

Detectives processing the scene say forensic experts are examining burn patterns, electrical systems and structural damage to determine how the fire spread so rapidly across the upper floor.

Crime Scene Investigators, forensic imaging experts, DNA analysts and intelligence officers are all involved in the inquiry.

Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from within the school and interviewing students, teachers and other witnesses in an effort to reconstruct the final hours before the blaze erupted.

The National Police Service said the investigation would be conducted professionally and independently to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

The Utumishi Girls tragedy has once again reignited national debate over safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, particularly following repeated incidents of dormitory fires linked to student unrest.

Education stakeholders are now demanding tougher enforcement of school safety regulations, improved mental health support for learners and stronger oversight of boarding facilities across the country.

As grieving families await answers, pressure is mounting on authorities to establish whether the deaths could have been prevented had the warnings been acted upon in time.