Seven students from Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, have been arraigned at the Naivasha Law Courts in connection with the tragic dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left dozens of others injured.
The students were presented before the court as detectives continue investigations into the incident, which authorities have already classified as a suspected arson attack. Prosecutors sought additional time to complete investigations, citing the complexity of the case and the need to gather more evidence from witnesses, forensic experts, and the school administration.
Investigators say the girls told detectives they were upset over several issues at the school, including changes to the examination timetable, the introduction of a fee for a cultural event, and influence from peers after a nearby boys’ school staged a strike.
According to police findings, the plan to set fire to the dormitory was allegedly made around 9 pm and carried out about three hours later.
The fire, which occurred in one of the school's dormitories, shocked the nation and reignited concerns over safety standards in boarding schools. Following preliminary investigations, authorities revealed that there had been prior warnings of possible unrest among some students. The Ministry of Education has since taken disciplinary measures against school officials accused of failing to act on the information.
In response to the tragedy, the school's Board of Management was dissolved, while the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) launched disciplinary proceedings against staff members who allegedly ignored warning signs before the incident.
Families of the victims continue to mourn their loved ones as injured students receive medical and psychological support. The court is expected to issue further directions as investigations progress and authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding one of the country's deadliest school fire tragedies in recent years.
The students were presented before the court as detectives continue investigations into the incident, which authorities have already classified as a suspected arson attack. Prosecutors sought additional time to complete investigations, citing the complexity of the case and the need to gather more evidence from witnesses, forensic experts, and the school administration.
Investigators say the girls told detectives they were upset over several issues at the school, including changes to the examination timetable, the introduction of a fee for a cultural event, and influence from peers after a nearby boys’ school staged a strike.
According to police findings, the plan to set fire to the dormitory was allegedly made around 9 pm and carried out about three hours later.
The fire, which occurred in one of the school's dormitories, shocked the nation and reignited concerns over safety standards in boarding schools. Following preliminary investigations, authorities revealed that there had been prior warnings of possible unrest among some students. The Ministry of Education has since taken disciplinary measures against school officials accused of failing to act on the information.
In response to the tragedy, the school's Board of Management was dissolved, while the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) launched disciplinary proceedings against staff members who allegedly ignored warning signs before the incident.
Families of the victims continue to mourn their loved ones as injured students receive medical and psychological support. The court is expected to issue further directions as investigations progress and authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding one of the country's deadliest school fire tragedies in recent years.