NAIVASHA, Kenya – A Naivasha court has granted the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) authority to detain nine students from Utumishi Girls Academy for 21 days as investigations continue into a deadly dormitory fire that killed 16 students and destroyed school property.
In its ruling, the Naivasha Law Courts agreed with prosecutors that detectives require more time to complete investigations into suspected arson and possible murder charges arising from the tragedy.
The prosecution told the court that critical forensic processes, including DNA profiling and other scientific examinations, are yet to be concluded.
Investigators argued that the continued detention of the minors is necessary to preserve the integrity of the investigations and to protect the students, given the heightened public interest surrounding the case.
Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramadhan directed that the students be held at Nakuru Children’s Home for the duration of the detention period.
The court further ordered that officers from the Children’s Department be granted unrestricted access to the minors to safeguard their rights and welfare.
In addition, the court barred the media and members of the public from taking, publishing or sharing photographs or images of the students, citing legal protections afforded to minors.
The students were also granted access to legal representation and other support services throughout the detention period.
The matter will be mentioned on June 24, 2026, for directions and an update on the progress of investigations.
According to investigators, the suspected plan to set the dormitory ablaze was allegedly conceived at around 9 p.m. and executed approximately three hours later.
CCTV footage reportedly captured key movements before the fire broke out at about 12:10 a.m.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), including officers from the Child Protection Unit, together with counsellors, have been conducting grilling sessions at the Gilgil Police Station.
Investigators say the students’ grievances were mainly directed at the school administration, particularly over an alleged abrupt change of the examination timetable from June 16 to June 2.
Other issues cited include a planned cultural event for which students were reportedly required to make payments.
Authorities are also probing claims of peer influence from a neighbouring boys’ school that had gone on strike days before the fatal fire.
Forensic analysis of CCTV footage allegedly shows matchboxes, mattresses and paraffin being secured hours before the blaze.
Homicide detectives handling the case believe more individuals may have been involved, noting that the presence of paraffin suggests the possible involvement of an outsider.
Investigators have confirmed that additional suspects are being pursued as the probe into one of the deadliest school fires in recent years continues.
