Eight students have been arrested in connection with a suspected arson attack at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Kenya, that killed 16 pupils, police say.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday on the upper floor of a dormitory housing 135 bunk beds. The school is located about 120 km northwest of Nairobi.
After interviewing students and staff and reviewing CCTV footage, the National Police Service identified eight pupils as persons of interest in the planning and execution of the fire. Investigations into the exact cause are ongoing.
The students were detained for questioning after being traced to their homes and brought back to the school. They were among 30 students initially recalled by detectives investigating the incident.
Kenya has a history of school fires, many linked to arson by students dissatisfied with discipline or living conditions. Overcrowding and failure to follow safety guidelines, such as keeping exits clear, have also contributed to high casualties in past incidents.
A similar fire in central Kenya two years ago killed at least 21 people.
