A Naivasha court has ordered the detention of nine students from Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil for 21 days as investigations into the deadly dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students continue.
Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramathan issued the ruling after considering an application by the prosecution seeking to detain the minors for 30 days to allow detectives more time to complete investigations.
The court, however, reduced the detention period to 21 days and directed that the students be held at the Nakuru Children’s Remand Home pending further investigations.
Court Rejects Bail and Bond Application
In his ruling, Magistrate Ramathan declined to release the minors on bail or bond, finding that the prosecution had presented compelling reasons to justify their continued detention.
The court agreed that releasing the suspects at this stage could potentially interfere with ongoing investigations.
The matter is scheduled for mention on June 24, 2026.
Detectives Seek More Time for Investigations
According to the prosecution, investigators require additional time to trace and interview key witnesses located in different parts of the country.
The prosecution further argued that early findings suggest the integrity of the investigation could be compromised if the suspects are released before detectives conclude their work.
Authorities are also continuing to analyze forensic evidence and witness accounts related to the tragic incident.
Suspects Allegedly Revealed Motive
Investigators claim the students disclosed several reasons that allegedly motivated the arson attack.
Among the issues cited were dissatisfaction with changes to the school’s examination timetable, objections to charges imposed for an upcoming cultural event, and alleged influence from a neighbouring boys’ school that had recently experienced unrest.
According to investigators, the alleged plan was conceived at approximately 9 p.m. before being carried out three hours later.
CCTV Footage Forms Part of Evidence
Detectives say CCTV footage recovered during investigations allegedly captured the suspects entering the dormitory shortly after midnight before the fire broke out.
The footage is among the evidence being reviewed as authorities seek to establish the sequence of events that led to one of the deadliest school tragedies in recent years.
The devastating fire killed 16 students and left dozens of others injured, prompting nationwide calls for accountability, improved school safety measures, and stronger mechanisms for detecting signs of student unrest before they escalate into tragedy.
As investigations continue, families of the victims remain hopeful that the truth behind the disaster will emerge and that justice will be served.
