The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has arrested eight students believed to be linked to a suspected arson attack at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 16 students.

According to a statement released on Friday, detectives identified the suspects as persons of interest following preliminary investigations that included CCTV footage analysis, forensic examinations, and interviews with witnesses.The arrests come as authorities continue to reconstruct the events leading to the devastating dormitory fire that occurred on May 28, 2026.Investigators are currently holding the suspects in police custody as they record statements and assist in piecing together the sequence of events.

Forensic experts are closely examining burn patterns, possible ignition sources, electrical installations, and any signs of accelerants that may have been used to start or accelerate the fire.

The blaze severely damaged the first floor of the Melino Waithera Dormitory, a two-storey building that housed multiple students in double-decker beds.

Authorities confirmed that the 16 bodies recovered from the scene were taken to Naivasha Sub-county Referral Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations and formal identification.

A multi-agency team involving homicide detectives, crime scene investigators, intelligence officers, and disaster response units has taken over the investigation to ensure a thorough probe into the cause and motive of the incident.The National Police Service has extended condolences to the affected families and the school community, urging calm as investigations continue.Further updates are expected as more details emerge from the ongoing inquiry.