The government has successfully matched the DNA results of all the 16 students who were killed during a night long dormitory fire tragedy in Utumishi Girls in Gilgil.
The May 28 fatal incident which was allegedly started by nine students left 16 dead burnt beyond recognition which prompted the state order DNA collection and profiling to those of their biological parents.
After a week-long exercise, the government chemist announced that all the profiling done had reported positive results, allowing mourning parents and relatives to plan for burial ceremonies.
Government chemist Dr Joseph Kimani said the process involved analysis of blood swabs, bones, and tissue samples, and that the completed DNA profiles had been handed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Lead pathologist Dr. Titus Ngurungu confirmed that DNA samples from the deceased and their parents had all returned positive matches.
Ngurungu noted that most victims had been burnt beyond recognition, as a result of raging fires that lasted hours making DNA analysis essential.
Parents, relatives and guardians who camped at the facility were overcome by high emotions as they each in turn identified their children’s remains, some unable to come to terms with what they gazed at.
Reports indicated that most of the learners had only ‘cremation dust’ to identify them, an indication of the painful and hallowing experience the fire subjected them through on that fateful night of horror.
Already, nine students aged between 15 and 17 years who are accused of starting the unfortunate fire are spending 21 days in custody at Nakuru Children’s Remand home after a Naivasha denied them bond pending the completion of investigations by the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI)I.
However after a successful viewing of the remains, the parents took issue with the state after it was revealed that they would not be allowed to collect the bodies until the planned memorial service is held on June 17.
They vehemently opposed the government’s decision to delay burials by a further 11 days, despite the successful DNA identification and matching of all the victims by their parents and close relatives.
The distraught parents, who camped at Naivasha Sub-County mortuary awaiting results, described the state’s move as insensitive to grieving families.
A Muslim family had on Saturday morning been okayed to retrieve their daughter’s remains for burial in Kwale County, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Parisoi Ole Maripet, whose daughter Purity Naisula was among the people deceased, said the planned requiem mass was unnecessary and called for the immediate release of the bodies.
“The government’s decision to stop for rituals untill the requiem mass is held on 17th June is insensitive, our families are hurting and traumatised by the sudden loss of our children,” he said.
John Muiruri, whose Grade 10 daughter Nicole Muiruri perished in the fire, echoed similar sentiments, urging the state to release the remains without further delay.
Naivasha Imam Sheikh Ali welcomed the release of the Muslim student’s body and called on parents, teachers, and society at large to address rising cases of indiscipline among pupils.
Gilgil Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Stanley Langat said a multi-agency committee had convened an emergency evening meeting in response to parents’ complaints.
He added that families would be informed of any decision to revise the burial timeline, and confirmed that the state still intends to hold a requiem mass for all 16 students in Gilgil town next.
By Erastus Gichohi
