Nine suspects linked to the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire that left 16 students dead are expected to learn their fate this afternoon, as the court prepares to rule on whether they will be released on cash bail or remain in custody to allow further investigations.
Naivasha Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramathan indicated that the ruling will be delivered on Wednesday afternoon, following competing applications from the prosecution and defence over continued detention.
The prosecution has asked for a 30-day extension to hold the suspects in custody, arguing that investigators require more time to conclude inquiries into the fatal incident. The application was supported by the victims’ legal representatives.
However, defence lawyers opposed the request, arguing that the grounds presented for continued detention did not meet the legal threshold required to deny bail.
Investigators also presented claims attributed to the suspects, who reportedly told detectives that their actions were driven by grievances over changes to the examination calendar, disputes linked to charges for a cultural event, and peer influence following unrest at a neighbouring boys’ school.
The suspects are further said to have indicated that the plan to set fire to the dormitory was conceived in the evening and executed a few hours later.
The matter remains under active judicial consideration as the country awaits the court’s determination on whether the suspects will be granted bail or continue to be held in custody while investigations proceed into the tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy.
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