Eight students from Utumishi Girls Academy facing 16 counts of murder over a dormitory fire that killed 16 learners and left dozens injured in one of Kenya's deadliest school tragedies in recent years have been denied bond.
Milimani Court on Monday ordered that they be detained at a police station in Kasarani and they be allowed to continue with their education awaiting the hearing and determination of the case preferred against them.
They allegedly committed the criminal offence on May 28, 2026.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved the charges after reviewing an inquiry file submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The incident, which occurred at Meline Waithera Dormitory at the Gilgil-based school in Nakuru County shocked the nation.
What investigators found
According to investigators, the fire started after a mattress was allegedly set ablaze near a dormitory exit before the flames spread rapidly through the building. Detectives relied on witness statements and CCTV footage recovered from the school during the investigation.
The dormitory housed more than 200 students at the time of the incident. Investigators told court earlier that the suspects were identified after weeks of interviews and forensic analysis.
Initially there were nine suspects in total before the prosecution narrowed down on eight students. They were previously detained for 21 days at a children's remand facility to allow detectives to complete investigations into allegations of murder and arson.
Questions over safety measures
The tragedy also raised serious concerns about safety procedures at the school.
Investigators reported that students were forced to escape through a single exit after an emergency door was not opened during the fire, a factor that may have contributed to the high death toll.
16 students died while dozens of others sustained injuries. Some victims were reportedly trapped inside the dormitory as the flames spread.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Education suspended the school's principal over alleged non-compliance with fire safety regulations.
Growing concern over school fires
In approving the charges, the DPP expressed concern over a rise in arson incidents and other criminal acts in schools across the country.
The prosecution office warned that those found responsible for such offences would be held accountable under the law.
The Utumishi Girls tragedy reignited a national conversation about school safety, dormitory standards and student unrest.
Kenya has witnessed numerous school fires in recent years, many of them linked to suspected arson.
The eight students are expected to appear in court as the criminal case moves to the next stage. Because they are minors, restrictions remain in place on the publication of their identities.
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