Court Orders CCTV in Schools as Shocking Utumishi Dormitory Fire Footage Emerges
The footage, now a key piece of evidence in an ongoing criminal investigation, reportedly shows a group of students entering the Marylyn Waithera dormitory shortly after midnight before a fire broke out and rapidly spread through the building. Authorities believe the incident was a deliberate act of arson, raising fresh concerns about student safety, discipline, and security measures in boarding schools across the country.
According to investigators, the surveillance footage shows five students entering the dormitory at approximately 12:10 a.m. while the majority of learners were asleep. The students allegedly proceeded toward one section of the dormitory before making movements that detectives believe were linked to the ignition of the fire.
Sources familiar with the investigation say one of the individuals appeared to conceal her face from the cameras while carrying a slipper, allegedly in an attempt to reduce noise while moving through the building.
Moments later, some of the students reportedly moved toward the dormitory exit while others remained behind. Detectives believe the fire was first ignited near the entrance before another section of the dormitory was also set ablaze, causing flames to spread rapidly through the structure.
Investigators have further indicated that combustible materials may have been used to accelerate the spread of the fire. Preliminary findings suggest that kerosene was allegedly poured near the main exit, effectively turning the escape route into a deadly trap as the flames intensified.
Authorities say the fire had reached a devastating scale by approximately 12:15 a.m., leaving dozens trapped inside as emergency efforts struggled to contain the inferno.
Police have since arrested eight students who are considered persons of interest in the case. Six remain in custody, while detectives continue gathering evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also indicated that one suspect whose whereabouts became unclear after an earlier release remains under active search.
The shocking revelations have prompted renewed debate over security measures in schools. In response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed all schools to install CCTV surveillance systems to improve monitoring and deter criminal activities within learning institutions.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony at Kipsigis Girls High School, Murkomen emphasized the importance of technology in preventing similar tragedies.
“Every school must embrace surveillance systems that help administrators monitor movements and respond quickly to emergencies,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary further suggested that earlier access to surveillance footage could have aided response efforts during the Utumishi tragedy.
“If critical information is available in good time, intervention measures can be taken faster and lives may be saved,” he stated.
Meanwhile, education officials continue conducting investigations into possible safety lapses at the school, including allegations of overcrowding and non-compliance with boarding school safety regulations.
As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, the Utumishi Girls tragedy has reignited national calls for stricter enforcement of school safety standards, with many Kenyans demanding accountability and urgent reforms to protect learners in boarding institutions.
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Court Orders CCTV in Schools as Shocking Utumishi Dormitory Fire Footage Emerges
