The tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy left 16 students dead and many families in deep grief, with uncertainty still hanging over some children’s whereabouts.Parents and relatives visited the school seeking answers, but several were denied entry, heightening their worry and despair.

One brother shared that he still did not know whether his sister survived, saying the officials had told him that some children had died while others were hospitalized.

Families are now urging authorities to speed up the identification process, suggesting DNA testing if victims cannot be recognised due to severe burns.

The government and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have taken over the case, confirming that preliminary investigations indicate the fire was an act of arson.Eight students have been arrested as persons of interest while authorities work to determine their roles in the incident.The Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, revealed that those found responsible will face charges in line with the Penal Code and other laws.Relatives continue to deal with shock, pleading for faster updates so they can begin to come to terms with the loss and start the mourning process.