Nine students from Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County are set to face 16 murder charges each following the tragic dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 learners on May 28, 2026.
The decision was approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after reviewing evidence gathered by investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that the charges were approved after a careful assessment of the available evidence.
According to investigators, the deadly fire broke out shortly after midnight, destroying part of the school and killing 16 students. Preliminary findings suggest that the suspected arson plan was allegedly conceived earlier in the evening before being carried out hours later.
The prosecution had earlier secured orders from the Naivasha Law Courts to detain the nine students for 21 days to allow investigators to complete forensic examinations, including DNA analysis and review of CCTV footage. During the detention period, the students were held at Nakuru Children's Home and granted access to legal representation and child protection officers.
Investigators told the court that CCTV footage and forensic evidence allegedly showed movements leading up to the fire, with items including matchboxes, mattresses and paraffin reportedly linked to the incident. Detectives have also been examining grievances allegedly raised by some students against the school administration.
The DPP expressed concern over the rising cases of arson and criminal activities in schools across the country, warning that those found responsible would face the full force of the law. The office also extended its condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice through a fair, impartial and evidence-based prosecution process.
The case remains one of the most tragic school fire incidents in recent years and has sparked renewed debate on student welfare, school safety and discipline in learning institutions.
Source: thestar.co.ke
The decision was approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after reviewing evidence gathered by investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that the charges were approved after a careful assessment of the available evidence.
According to investigators, the deadly fire broke out shortly after midnight, destroying part of the school and killing 16 students. Preliminary findings suggest that the suspected arson plan was allegedly conceived earlier in the evening before being carried out hours later.
The prosecution had earlier secured orders from the Naivasha Law Courts to detain the nine students for 21 days to allow investigators to complete forensic examinations, including DNA analysis and review of CCTV footage. During the detention period, the students were held at Nakuru Children's Home and granted access to legal representation and child protection officers.
Investigators told the court that CCTV footage and forensic evidence allegedly showed movements leading up to the fire, with items including matchboxes, mattresses and paraffin reportedly linked to the incident. Detectives have also been examining grievances allegedly raised by some students against the school administration.
The DPP expressed concern over the rising cases of arson and criminal activities in schools across the country, warning that those found responsible would face the full force of the law. The office also extended its condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice through a fair, impartial and evidence-based prosecution process.
The case remains one of the most tragic school fire incidents in recent years and has sparked renewed debate on student welfare, school safety and discipline in learning institutions.
Source: thestar.co.ke
