STATE SEEKS 30-DAY DETENTION FOR UTUMISHI SUSPECTS

The State has asked a Nakuru court to detain seven students suspected of involvement in the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy for 30 days, arguing that investigators require more time to complete inquiries into one of the country's most devastating school tragedies in recent years.

The fire, which tore through a dormitory at the school last week, claimed the lives of 16 students and left several others injured, prompting national outrage and renewed debate over safety and discipline in learning institutions.

Appearing before the court on Tuesday, prosecutors said detectives were still pursuing critical leads and needed additional time to record statements from key witnesses who are currently spread across different parts of the country.

According to the prosecution, releasing the suspects at this stage could jeopardize ongoing investigations. The State further argued that the intense public anger generated by the tragedy could place the minors at risk if they were released on bail or bond.

"The school has since been closed indefinitely and students released to their parents. Potential key witnesses in the matter are located in different parts of the country, and investigators need time to get them and record their statements," the prosecution submitted.

The State also cited security concerns arising from the circulation of CCTV footage allegedly linked to the incident, saying public sentiment had been heightened by the release of the recordings.

Investigators want the seven suspects held at the Nakuru Children's Remand Home while detectives finalize their work.

Lawyers representing the victims supported the application, urging the court to consider the scale of the tragedy and the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

However, the defence team opposed the request, describing it as an attempt to subject the minors to pre-trial detention before any formal charges have been filed.

Representing the suspects, lawyer Kipkoech Ngetich dismissed claims that the students could interfere with investigations, arguing that government agencies handling the probe were capable of conducting their work independently.

"There are no compelling reasons as to why the minors should be detained," the defence submitted.

As the legal battle over detention unfolded, details emerging from the investigation revealed what may have motivated the suspected arson attack.

According to statements recorded by detectives, the students allegedly cited dissatisfaction with decisions made by the school administration. Among the grievances reportedly raised was a change in the examination timetable, with exams allegedly brought forward from June 16 to June 2.

The suspects are also said to have complained about a planned cultural event for which students were allegedly expected to contribute financially. Investigators further recorded claims that some of the students had been influenced by unrest at a neighbouring boys' school that had recently experienced a strike.

The seven suspects reportedly told investigators that their intention was to stage a protest against the administration and not to cause the deaths of fellow students.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' Child Protection Unit, alongside counsellors, have been conducting interviews with the suspects as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Forensic analysis of CCTV footage has provided investigators with a clearer picture of events leading up to the tragedy.
According to preliminary findings, the plan to set the dormitory ablaze was allegedly conceived at around 9 p.m. and executed shortly after midnight. Detectives believe the fire was started at approximately 12:10 a.m.

Investigators have also established that paraffin and matchboxes were allegedly obtained before the incident. The reported use of paraffin has raised questions about whether individuals outside the school may have assisted in acquiring the accelerant.

Homicide detectives are now pursuing additional leads amid suspicions that more people could have been involved in planning or facilitating the attack.

The tragedy has reignited concerns about student unrest, school safety measures and early intervention mechanisms within learning institutions. Authorities have since intensified discussions on strengthening surveillance and safety systems in schools as investigations continue.
The court is expected to rule on the prosecution's application for the continued detention of the suspects as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire that claimed 16 young lives.