Kenya school fire: Police identify seven students as arsonists in deadly blaze

Kenyan police have identified seven female students as the perpetrators of a devastating dormitory fire that killed 16 students and injured dozens at a girls' boarding school in Gilgil. The blaze erupted overnight in a dormitory building, trapping students on the first floor where 135 bunk beds were located.

Investigators discovered evidence suggesting the use of an accelerant to fuel the fire. Surveillance cameras at the school played a crucial role in identifying the seven students believed to be responsible. Six of the suspects were already in police custody as potential suspects, while the seventh was handed over to her parents and is expected to be arrested.

Autopsies confirmed that all 16 deceased students died from severe burns. The motive behind the arson attack remains unclear, but the identification of the suspects marks a significant step in the investigation into the tragic incident. The school's location in Gilgil, a town in Kenya's Nakuru County, places it within a region known for its educational institutions.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of boarding school facilities and the devastating consequences of such violence. Authorities are continuing their investigation to understand the full circumstances and motivations behind the arson.