Utumishi Fire: Two teachers knew of planned unrest

Two teachers at Utumishi Girls School in Gilgil were informed of planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said.

In a statement, the CS stated that the teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson, despite having been informed beforehand.

"Two teachers were informed of planned unrest by a section of Form Three learners," he said.

"However, the teachers did not take appropriate action before the arson, despite having been informed beforehand."

According to Ogamba, preliminary investigations have also established that the tragic fire was an act of arson.

"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is currently holding and questioning eight learners, who are persons of interest in the investigation. The investigation will ascertain their individual roles in the planning and execution of this heinous act," he said.

"Those found culpable will be charged in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code and other relevant laws."

The CS also said preliminary findings point to breaches of safety requirements at the school, including dormitory overcrowding and a situation in which one exit door was locked, contrary to basic safety standards under the school safety manual and basic education regulations.

According to the CS, the school did not adhere to the safety requirements as stipulated in the School Safety Manual and the Basic Education Regulations.

"In particular, there was congestion in the dormitory, and one exit door was locked, contrary to the prescribed safety requirements," he said.

The incident left 79 learners injured with varying degrees of severity.

Seven of those injured remain admitted and are receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, while the rest have been treated and discharged.

The bodies of those who died have been transferred to the Naivasha Sub-County Hospital mortuary for preservation and DNA identification.

Authorities have directed parents and guardians to report to the facility for identification and testing purposes. 

"Parents and guardians are therefore being directed to the facility for purposes of the DNA testing," the CS said.

"Investigations into the cause of the fire and possible lapses in duty of care are ongoing, with authorities saying further action will follow based on the findings." 

16 students died in the fire incident.

Following the incident, President William Ruto led the country in mourning the students.

In a statement, Ruto described the incident as a painful national tragedy.