Naivasha Law Courts granted permission to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to hold nine students from Utumishi Girls Academy for 21 days to aid investigations into an arson incident that resulted in 16 student deaths and significant property damage.
The court concurred with the DPP’s arguments that investigations concerning potential arson and murder allegations continue and necessitate more time to conclude.
Prosecution informed the court that essential forensic procedures, encompassing DNA testing and other scientific assessments, remain unfinished.
Prosecution additionally contended that maintaining the minors’ custody is essential to protect the investigation’s integrity and ensure their safety and well-being, considering the case’s sensitivity and public attention.
The court ordered that the minors be accommodated at Nakuru Children’s Home throughout the detention period.
During this period, they will have consistent and unlimited access to Children’s Department officers to guarantee their rights and welfare receive complete protection.
Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramadhan additionally prohibited media personnel and the public from capturing, publishing, distributing, or circulating images of the students.
This directive aims to safeguard the children’s privacy and ensure adherence to legal statutes concerning juvenile matters.
The court further instructed that the students receive access to legal counsel and other essential support services throughout the proceedings.
The case will be revisited on June 24, 2026, for additional instructions and a report on the investigation’s advancement.
Based on investigators’ accounts, the alleged scheme to ignite the dormitory was devised at 9 p.m. and carried out three hours subsequently, with CCTV cameras recording significant movements.
DCI personnel from the Child Protection Unit, alongside counselors, participated in intensive questioning sessions at Gilgil Police Station.
Investigators indicate the students’ complaints targeted the school administration, which they blamed for altering the examination schedule from June 16 to June 2.
Other concerns mentioned involved a cultural event organized by the school, which students reportedly had to pay for, along with peer pressure from acquaintances at a nearby boys’ institution that had staged several days of protests prior to the dormitory’s burning.
Forensic examination of CCTV footage reportedly documented the events preceding the incident, with matchboxes, mattresses, and paraffin apparently obtained hours before the fire erupted at 12:10 a.m.
Form Three students at the institution retire to rest at 9:35 p.m., whereas Form Four students retire at 10:35 p.m.
Homicide detectives managing the case suspect additional individuals may have participated, observing that the paraffin’s presence indicates an external party might have helped obtain the substance.
Investigators have confirmed they are tracking further suspects thought to have participated in the arson incident.