Nine girls suspected of planning and executing a fire that killed 16 fellow students at a Kenyan boarding school have been ordered to remain in custody for up to 21 days.
A court in Naivasha ruled on Wednesday that the teenagers will be held at a children’s home while detectives complete investigations and determine whether formal charges will be filed.
The case has drawn widespread national attention in Kenya, with growing calls for clarity and accountability over the tragic incident.
The suspects are represented by lawyer Hezron Mogire, who argued in court that there were no compelling grounds to justify their detention for 30 days, as requested by investigators.
On the opposing side, Mbogo Macharia, representing families of the deceased students, welcomed the court’s decision and urged authorities to ensure a thorough investigation before the next hearing scheduled for June 24.
“So during that time it is expected by the courts and by the nation and also by us as the victims that the investigations will have concluded,” Macharia said.
“We will have gotten the answers that we very much want to hear and we will have found a way forward in respect to finding justice for the victims.”
The fire occurred on May 28 at the Utumishi Girls School dormitory in Gilgil, located about 90 kilometres west of Nairobi. The dormitory housed 202 students at the time of the incident.
Investigators say many students struggled to escape the blaze after the school matron allegedly failed to open an emergency exit, forcing pupils to flee through a single doorway.
Authorities said the nine suspects, all teenagers, were arrested after witness interviews and a review of CCTV footage from the school premises.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have been started when students allegedly ignited a mattress using a matchstick and paraffin near the dormitory exit. However, investigators have not yet established a clear motive for the incident.
DNA testing is ongoing to identify some of the victims whose bodies were severely burned in the fire. Results were expected to be released on Wednesday.
The tragedy has sparked national mourning and renewed debate over safety standards, supervision and emergency preparedness in Kenyan boarding schools.
Officials say investigations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding one of the country’s most disturbing school tragedies in recent years.
