By George Ndeto,
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have detained more than 10 students from Utumishi Girls Academy for questioning following a devastating dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 learners.
The security apparatus is officially treating the tragic incident as a suspected case of arson. According to statements from traumatized survivors, a group of Form Three students allegedly ignited a mattress inside the Meline Waithera dormitory, causing the blaze to spread rapidly through the congested building.
The suspects spent the night under tight police custody in a secured, isolated block within the school as forensic investigators and local police chiefs intensified their interrogations. To ensure a airtight probe, the DCI has also recalled several students who had already vacated the school premises with their parents after the tragedy.
A senior detective close to the investigation confirmed that arson remains the primary line of inquiry, and those found culpable will face full criminal prosecution.