Faith Masita
A Naivasha court has permitted the continued detention of nine Utumishi Girls Academy students for up to 21 days as police deepen investigations into a dormitory fire that killed 16 students and injured dozens more in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The prosecution told the court that detectives require more time to complete forensic analysis, review CCTV footage, and trace additional witnesses linked to the May 28 incident. Authorities are also still pursuing other leads as the investigation widens.
Detectives believe the fire, which broke out in a school dormitory housing hundreds of students, may have been an act of arson involving multiple students. Investigators have already reviewed CCTV footage and conducted interviews that led to the arrests.
Court Allows Detention as Investigations into Arson Intensify
The students appeared in court under heavy security as the state applied to hold them longer to avoid disruption of ongoing investigations. The court is expected to issue further directions as inquiries continue.
The deadly blaze has triggered national concern over school safety standards, with early findings pointing to possible safety lapses, including overcrowding and emergency exit issues. The incident has also intensified scrutiny of boarding school conditions in Kenya.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the fire, while families of the victims await full answers on what led to one of the country’s most devastating recent school tragedies.
