16 Students Die in Utumishi Girls Dormitory Fire, 79 Injured - May 2026

A devastating dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls school in Gilgil, Nakuru County resulted in the tragic deaths of 16 students and injured 79 others, with several students hospitalized with severe injuries. Police are investigating the incident as arson and have detained 10 students in connection with the fire. Authorities announced they will use DNA analysis to identify the victims since some bodies were completely incinerated, making identification extremely difficult. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is demanding the resignation of Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following the deadly fire. Education stakeholders have criticized the government over school safety concerns at Utumishi Academy. Questions are being raised about the delayed emergency response time during the incident.