The prosecution has requested the court to detain several student suspects for 30 days as investigations into the Utumishi Girls’ fire continue.
The court is scheduled to make a decision regarding the application on June 3.
The blaze, which occurred on May 28, 2026, at the educational institution in Gilgil, Nakuru County, resulted in the deaths of 16 students, with seven others still receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital for burn wounds.
During the Tuesday court appearance, the prosecution stated that detectives require more time to complete their investigation, especially locating and interviewing essential witnesses believed to be dispersed throughout different regions of the nation.
The authorities informed the court that preliminary findings indicate the inquiry could be jeopardized if the accused are released on bail or bond.
“The institution has been permanently closed and students have been sent to their families. Important witnesses in this case are situated in various locations across the country, and investigators need time to locate them and obtain their statements,” the prosecution informed the court.
Prosecutors additionally asserted that the suspects face serious charges and that the significant public reaction to the case could endanger their lives if they were released.
“The incident has provoked widespread public anger, thereby endangering the safety and lives of the accused if they are granted bail or bond,” the State claimed.
Investigators also referenced the spread of CCTV footage connected to the incident, noting that its distribution had intensified public emotions and created new security risks for those involved.
“The protection of the accused is crucial, particularly following the release of the CCTV footage,” the prosecution emphasized.
The authorities requested the court to consider these reasons adequate for keeping the suspects at the Nakuru Children’s Remand Home for the upcoming 30 days.
“We also believe it would serve justice to grant the orders we have requested,” the prosecution stated.
Legal representatives for the victims supported the application, urging the court to consider the severity of the alleged crimes and the necessity of protecting the investigation.
“We endorse the application. In evaluating this request and based on the Victim Protection Act, we ask the court to consider the scale and character of the offense along with the public response,” the victims’ counsel informed the court.
They also requested the bench to provide investigators sufficient time to complete their work before any determination on bail or bond is made. The defense, however, resisted the application, accusing the prosecution of attempting to detain the juveniles before any formal charges had been filed.
“We object to the application. They are seeking pre-trial confinement without any charges brought against the minors,” the defense stated.
The respondents’ attorneys further argued that the State had not provided convincing reasons to justify the continued detention of the juveniles.
“There are no substantial grounds for why the minors should be detained,” the defense submitted.
Kipkoech Ngetich, representing the suspects, dismissed the prosecution’s assertions that the minors could interfere with the investigation, maintaining that such concerns were baseless.
“Can the children disrupt government agencies conducting the investigation? No, that is not feasible,” Ngetich told the court.
Police are also exploring potential connections to arson and homicide.
According to their statements, the students reportedly informed detectives that the incident was connected to demonstrations against changes to the examination schedule, the school’s requirement of fees for a cultural event, and peer influence after a nearby boys’ school had conducted a strike.
Investigators report that the plan to set fire to the dormitory was discussed around 9 pm and executed approximately three hours later, with CCTV footage allegedly capturing significant moments.
Personnel from the Child Protection Unit within the DCI, along with counselors, participated in the interrogation sessions at Gilgil Police Station.
The complaints raised are said to have been directed at the school administration, which is accused of moving the examination dates from June 16 to June 2.
Other matters mentioned include a planned cultural event for which students were allegedly required to pay, as well as peer influence from students at a neighboring school.
An examination of CCTV footage is said to have captured preparations, including the suspected procurement of matchboxes, mattresses, and paraffin prior to the incident.
Form Three students at the institution are reported to go to bed at 9:35 p.m., while Form Four students retire at 10:35 p.m.
Homicide detectives conducting the investigation suspect additional individuals may have been involved, noting that the presence of paraffin might indicate external help in acquiring the substance.