The Naivasha High Court has delivered its initial judgment regarding nine students suspected of starting a fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Gilgil.
On Wednesday, June 3, Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Lorot ordered the suspects to be held at the Nakuru children’s remand facility for a period of 21 days.
This decision came after the prosecution requested a 30-day detention period to allow for deeper investigations.
Additionally, the court scheduled June 24 for the next hearing, where updates and further instructions will be provided.
Magistrate Lorot highlighted that the nine students face allegations of murder and arson, categorizing them as severe crimes.
The court denied bail, explaining that due to the gravity of the accusations and the fact that the suspects and witnesses know each other, granting release could hinder the ongoing probe.
The magistrate emphasized that holding the suspects was also a measure to ensure their own protection.
Investigators informed the court that the inquiry is at a critical phase, and freeing the suspects might intimidate witnesses and derail the process of reconstructing the events of the May 28 tragedy.
During the hearing, the judge prohibited live media coverage to protect the minors’ identities, referencing their rights under section 220 of the Children’s Act.
This legal action follows a devastating fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy that resulted in 16 fatalities and multiple injuries, leading to the students’ arrests.
Video surveillance reportedly linked the girls to the incident, showing them initiating the blaze.
While authorities continue to investigate the fire’s origins, the accused will remain at the Nakuru Children’s Remand Home.
This ruling occurs at a time when the safety of high school students is under intense scrutiny, with numerous institutions shutting down due to recent learner protests.
By Wednesday, June 3, more than ten schools, such as Lenana School, Loresho Girls, and Senior Chief Koinange School, had suspended operations indefinitely.
In response, authorities have initiated a comprehensive audit of all boarding schools nationwide to enforce safety protocols, compelling administrators to adhere strictly to the ministry’s regulations.