Nine students accused of touching a dormitory at the Utumishi Girls High school leading to the death of 16 learners will be detained for 21 days pending completion of investigations into the fire incident.
The prosecution had sought to detain the girls for 30 days, however Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramathan shortened the period saying 3 weeks is sufficient for the police to conduct their probe.
The Prosecution told the court that it needed to detain the minors for their own safety given the emotional and sensitive nature of the crimes they are being accused of.
In his ruling, the magistrate denied the suspects bail noting that the prosecution had raised compelling reasons to continue holding them.
The prosecution noted that early findings indicated that the investigation could be compromised if the suspects are freed on bail or bond.
The prosecution has said that it is yet to finish forensic processes, including DNA analysis and other scientific examinations of the bodies of the deceased.
The court has ordered the suspects to be held at the Nakuru Children’s Home as investigations continue.
The case is set for mention on June 24, 2026.
