Beware! Fake news about Moi Girls DNA test results goes viral

Kenya’s social media space Thursday was awash with reports alleging that DNA tests from four fathers who lost their children Moi Girls Schools dormitory fire did not match that of their daughters.

However, doctors have indicated that the results for the tests would take up to four weeks, a clear indication that the information in circulation is another element of Fake News. The DNA samples were taken on Tuesday.

Similar reports have dominated Whatsapp groups and other social channels, but results of the DNA tests are yet to be released.

"The DNA results will take about three to four weeks. However, the postmortem is complete. It is difficult for one to physically identify them because they are badly charred," said one of the pathologists tasked to examine the bodies.

DNA tests were ordered after parents failed to physically identify their daughters who were burnt beyond recognition in the September 2 inferno.

A group of pathologists led by Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor Wednesday concluded that eight of the nine students died from burns and inhaling carbon monoxide released during the Saturday morning fire.

Meanwhile, a 14-year-old girl who is suspected to have started the fire has been detained for seven days by a Nairobi court and is helping police with investigation.

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