The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a search for a student linked to the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School in Gilgil after investigators established that she had previously been released to her parents before fresh evidence emerged.

According to investigators, forensic analysis of CCTV footage recovered from the school has enabled detectives to positively identify several students suspected of participating in the arson attack that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left dozens injured. The latest findings have prompted authorities to revisit earlier decisions made during the initial stages of the investigation.

The DCI said six of the students initially arrested have been conclusively linked to the incident through enhanced video analysis conducted at the National Police Service Forensics Laboratory. Detectives are now pursuing a seventh suspect who is no longer in custody after having been released to her family.

The tragic dormitory fire broke out in the early hours of May 28 at the Gilgil-based institution, killing 16 students and injuring scores of others. Investigators believe the blaze was deliberately planned and executed, with evidence gathered from survivor accounts, CCTV footage and forensic examinations pointing to a suspected arson attack.

Post-mortem examinations conducted on the victims confirmed that all 16 students died from severe burn injuries sustained during the inferno. Due to the extent of the burns, authorities have also collected DNA samples from family members to facilitate the formal identification process.

The investigation continues as detectives seek to establish the full sequence of events leading up to the fire. Authorities have appealed to members of the public, students and parents with any relevant information to assist in the ongoing probe.

The tragedy has sparked renewed debate about safety standards in boarding schools, with concerns raised over emergency preparedness, dormitory conditions and the effectiveness of mechanisms for reporting potential security threats before they escalate into disasters.

The DCI has pledged to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, assuring affected families that all those found responsible will be held accountable under the law.