Possible negligence by the school administration might have contributed to the deadly inferno at Utumishi Girls Academy, Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed.

“There is a standard safety procedure that the school was to adhere to. One side of the dormitory with an emergency exit door had been locked, and it’s where we lost 10 students,” he said.

Investigations were continuing and those culpable will face legal action, the CS said.

“The Ministry of Education will also take administrative action against the school management,” he said.

The CS further confirmed that eight students suspected to have been involved in the deadly tragedy were in custody, and investigation agencies would question more individuals who may have played a role.

The seven injured girls admitted to hospital are now out of danger and continue to receive treatment, he added.

The CS also cautioned those who are politicising the matter, saying such conduct is unbecoming of leaders entrusted with national responsibility.

“I want to condemn in the strongest terms possible those going around trying to gain cheap political mileage from this unfortunate incident,” he said.

The CS was speaking in Kericho County during Belgut Technical Training Institute’s inaugural graduation ceremony.

He was accompanied by Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, MPs Nelson Koech (Belgut), Beatrice Kemei (Kericho County), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Fredrick Ikana (Shinyalu), Kericho County Commissioner Ali Omar, and MCAs, among other leaders.