The Kenyan Police have arrested eight students this Friday, identified as the alleged perpetrators responsible for planning and carrying out the fire that occurred on Thursday at the Utumishi Girls' Academy, in the town of Gilgil, an incident in which 16 students died.
"Preliminary investigations have identified eight students as persons of interest in connection with the planning and execution of the alleged arson. The eight young women have been arrested and are in police custody," stated the Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, John Marete, in a statement.
As part of the ongoing investigations, officers located these eight students after numerous interviews with students, teachers, and other witnesses, as well as a thorough analysis of images captured by the center's surveillance cameras.
"The Directorate assures all stakeholders that a thorough, professional, and impartial investigation is being conducted to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the fire, and to ensure that justice is served, thereby providing the much-needed solace to the families and the entire school community," he concluded.
The Ministry of Education dissolves the board of directors
For its part, the Ministry of Education has announced the dissolution of the board of directors of the Utumishi Girls' Academy "for failing to ensure compliance with the school safety manual and the basic education regulations."
"Specifically, there was overcrowding in the dormitories and an exit door was locked, in contravention of safety regulations. Two teachers were informed of a planned disturbance by a group of third-year students. However, the teachers did not take adequate measures before the fire, despite having been informed in advance," it specified.
The ministry added that the teachers alerted to the possible disturbances "will be subjected to disciplinary proceedings." "Appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken against officials who have acted negligently in the performance of their duties," it reiterated.
At the time the fire broke out, there were 808 people inside the school premises. In addition to the 16 deceased, at least 79 students suffered injuries, and seven of them remain hospitalized, undergoing treatment for burns.