CCTV Footage Reveals How Utumishi Girls Dormitory Fire Started

New details have emerged about the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls’ Service High School after CCTV cameras captured events that investigators believe led to the deadly incident.

According to footage being reviewed by detectives, a group of students was seen entering the Marylyn Waithera dormitory shortly after midnight while many learners were asleep.

The CCTV recordings reportedly show several students moving quietly inside the dormitory before heading to different sections of the building. Investigators believe the students later started a fire that quickly spread through the dormitory.

The footage also shows some of the students leaving the dormitory moments after the fire began. Within minutes, the flames intensified, creating panic among sleeping students who woke up and attempted to escape.

Authorities say the fire spread rapidly, making it difficult for many students to find a safe exit. Preliminary investigations indicate that the blaze may have been started near the dormitory entrance, which is believed to have blocked one of the main escape routes.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of 16 students, while 79 others suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

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Investigators revealed that many of the victims were found near the entrance of the dormitory, while others were discovered in different sections of the building.

Police have since arrested several students in connection with the incident as investigations continue. Detectives are working to establish the motive behind the fire and determine the role of each suspect.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to trace one suspect whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The incident has shocked the country and sparked renewed debate about safety measures in schools.

Following the tragedy, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen directed schools across the country to install CCTV cameras to help improve security and monitor activities within learning institutions.

Speaking during an event at Kipsigis Girls High School, Murkomen said surveillance systems can help authorities respond quickly to emergencies and assist investigators whenever incidents occur.

As investigations continue, families, students, and education stakeholders are seeking answers about what led to one of the country’s deadliest school fire tragedies in recent years.

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