Kenyans stunned as girl linked to deadly Utumishi Girls' fire that killed 16 goes missing

Nakuru County has been thrown into renewed shock following the arrest of a student who had gone missing in connection with the devastating Utumishi Girls Senior School dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students. WATCH FULL VIDEO.

The tragic incident, which unfolded earlier in the week, has continued to spark national debate over school safety, accountability, and juvenile justice.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the student was apprehended in Njoro while reportedly heading to church with her parents. 

Authorities confirmed that she had been under investigation after CCTV footage allegedly linked her to the deadly inferno that engulfed a school dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil.

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire broke out in the early hours of the night, catching students off guard as they slept. 

Emergency responders, including the Kenya Red Cross, were quickly deployed to the scene, but the blaze had already spread extensively by the time rescue operations began. 

Several students were rescued with injuries and smoke inhalation complications, while others tragically lost their lives.

Investigators say CCTV analysis played a crucial role in narrowing down suspects. The DCI revealed that several students were initially arrested, with a number later released to their parents as investigations continued. 

However, officials stated that further review of surveillance footage suggested that multiple students may have been involved in initiating the fire.

“The investigation is ongoing, and we are working to establish the exact circumstances that led to the incident,” the DCI said in a brief statement shared through its official communication channels.