Fresh details have emerged regarding the tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Senior School that resulted in the deaths of 16 students and left 79 others injured.

Investigators report that CCTV footage, combined with witness statements and early confessions, has played a central role in identifying suspects believed to be involved in the arson attack.

According to detectives handling the case, 30 students were initially questioned in connection with the early morning dormitory fire, but investigations have since narrowed the focus to eight Form Three girls.

The suspects are currently being held at Gilgil Police Station, where they are undergoing interrogation and recording statements before being formally presented in court.Authorities have confirmed that parents have already been informed of their detention.Witnesses, including fellow students, reportedly pointed out the same individuals, strengthening the evidence gathered by investigators.

Survivors of the incident allege that the fire began after a protest linked to disagreements with the school administration, during which a mattress was set alight.The flames reportedly spread rapidly through the Meline Waithera Block B dormitory, which housed about 200 students at the time.

Government officials, including the Interior Cabinet Secretary, confirmed that the suspects will face legal proceedings, while the Education Cabinet Secretary indicated that preliminary findings point to arson.

Investigations have also uncovered possible safety lapses in the school, including overcrowding, locked emergency exits, and failure by staff to act on warnings about a potential attack.Disciplinary action has been announced against the principal and two teachers accused of ignoring prior alerts.Meanwhile, forensic experts continue to examine burn patterns, ignition sources, and electrical systems to establish the exact cause of the fire.DNA samples are also being collected from families to help identify victims whose remains were severely burned.The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish accountability for the deadly incident.