New allegations have surfaced regarding the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, with claims that locked emergency exits may have exacerbated the disaster. A parent has alleged that during the chaos, only one emergency door was opened, leaving students trapped inside. This claim adds to growing concerns about the school's safety protocols, particularly as overcrowding in the dormitory has also been cited.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dissolved the school's Board of Management, citing gross negligence and failure to adhere to safety regulations. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the dormitory was overcrowded, and one emergency exit was reportedly locked, contradicting safety requirements.
Ogamba has also directed the Teachers Service Commission to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the school principal and two teachers who allegedly ignored warnings of potential unrest among students prior to the fire. The fire is now being treated as an arson attack, with eight students detained as persons of interest.
These developments have intensified scrutiny on fire safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, with calls for urgent reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.