Seven Students Face Court Over Utumishi Girls Dormitory Fire That Killed 16
Seven students from Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil have appeared before a Naivasha court over a dormitory fire that killed 16 students and injured several others.
The seven girls are expected to face arson-related charges as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire. The court proceedings attracted relatives and friends of both the accused students and the victims.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) believe the fire may have been deliberately started. Investigators say CCTV footage shows preparations involving matchboxes, mattresses and paraffin before the blaze broke out.
According to police sources, the students told investigators that the incident was linked to dissatisfaction over changes to the school examination timetable and charges imposed for a cultural event. Detectives also allege that the students were influenced by a recent strike at a neighbouring boys' school.
Investigators say the plan was discussed at about 9 p.m. and carried out around midnight, when Form Three and Form Four students were going to bed.
Homicide investigators believe additional individuals may have been involved.
They are examining how paraffin was obtained and whether outside assistance played a role. Officers from the Child Protection Unit and counsellors were present during interviews with the students because the suspects are minors.
Seven students who were injured in the fire remain in hospital in Nairobi. The investigation is continuing, and detectives are pursuing other persons of interest.
Lenana School Suspends Learning After Unrest
Lenana School in Nairobi has temporarily closed following disturbances during evening study sessions.
In a notice to parents, the Board of Management said the decision was intended to restore order and allow a full assessment of the situation. Parents were instructed to collect their children from the school from 8 a.m.
The school said no student would be released unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or authorised representative. Officials have not disclosed details of the unrest but said further information on the resumption of classes would be provided after investigations are completed.
The administration apologised for the disruption and thanked parents for their cooperation, stating that the temporary closure was necessary to maintain safety and order.