The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved murder charges against nine students implicated in the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students on May 28, 2026. The decision follows a review of evidence submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) after weeks of investigations into the tragedy.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the suspects will each face 16 counts of murder arising from the incident. Prosecutors stated that the evidence gathered during investigations was sufficient to support the charges and pave the way for a full trial.
The fire, which razed a dormitory housing dozens of students, shocked the nation and reignited concerns over school safety, student discipline, and emergency preparedness in learning institutions. Investigators have been examining the cause of the blaze and whether it was deliberately started.
The suspects had previously been detained for 21 days following a court order to allow detectives to complete investigations, including forensic examinations and witness interviews. They are expected to be arraigned in court to answer the charges.
The DPP also expressed concern over the rising number of arson incidents reported in schools and warned that individuals found responsible for such offences would face the full force of the law.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the suspects will each face 16 counts of murder arising from the incident. Prosecutors stated that the evidence gathered during investigations was sufficient to support the charges and pave the way for a full trial.
The fire, which razed a dormitory housing dozens of students, shocked the nation and reignited concerns over school safety, student discipline, and emergency preparedness in learning institutions. Investigators have been examining the cause of the blaze and whether it was deliberately started.
The suspects had previously been detained for 21 days following a court order to allow detectives to complete investigations, including forensic examinations and witness interviews. They are expected to be arraigned in court to answer the charges.
The DPP also expressed concern over the rising number of arson incidents reported in schools and warned that individuals found responsible for such offences would face the full force of the law.