Utumishi Girls fire tragedy was planned arson attack - CS Ogamba

The government has confirmed that the fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed 16 learners, was not accidental but a planned act of arson involving learners.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba described the incident as deeply painful, noting that investigations had established the fire was an act of arson planned by some learners.

He noted that nine suspects have already been charged and are currently in custody. He expressed condolences to the families of the 16 learners who died and wished those injured a quick recovery.

“The incidents have occasioned tragic loss of lives and caused injuries, while also leading to the destruction of valued school infrastructure. The unrest has disrupted teaching and learning in a number of our schools,” he said.

He added that the government will not tolerate indiscipline in schools and warned that those responsible will face the law.

“Whatever grievances learners may have, there can never be justification for causing death and destroying property. Any grievances must only be addressed through appropriate channels without resorting to unlawful actions or violence. All perpetrators will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” he said.

Preliminary investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations confirmed that the fire, which left 79 learners injured in addition to the 16 deaths, was a carefully planned act of arson.

Meanwhile, families of the 16 learners will now receive the remains of their children for burial after a requiem mass scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026.

The changes come after parents expressed frustration at Naivasha Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where they had been unable to collect the bodies despite the completion of DNA identification.

The State had initially set June 17 as the date for collection, which parents rejected.

Gilgil Deputy Commissioner Stanley Mutai said the date had been revised following consultations with grieving families.

“After consultation, the requiem mass will be on Friday, we hope to be done by noon to allow for families to travel with the remains of their loved ones in good time,” Mutai said.

He added that the memorial service will begin at 9:00 am at Gilgil Stadium, after which bodies will be released according to each family’s preference. He also said arrangements would allow some families to collect the remains immediately after the service, while others could do so the following day.

Each family is expected to receive Sh200,000 to help with burial arrangements ahead of the requiem mass.