Court Issues Way Forward in Case of Utumishi Academy Fire Suspects

Nine students linked to the Utumishi Academy dormitory fire case will remain in police custody for another night as the Naivasha Law Courts prepare to rule on their application for cash bail on June 3.

Earlier, proceedings unfolded in a courtroom with families of both the accused and the victims following every detail closely.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested the Utumishi Academy students in connection with the dormitory fire in Gilgil that claimed 16 lives and left several others injured.

Investigators now move closer to filing formal charges as the Utumishi Girls probe gathers momentum.

However, the prosecution opposed their release and argued that detectives still need more time to complete critical aspects of the investigation.

They also raised concerns about possible interference with witnesses and evidence.

Also Read: CCTV Footage Reveals How Utumishi Girls Fire Was Started and Students’ Movements Afterwards

Alleged Motive Behind the Utumishi Academy Incident

Meanwhile, early findings suggest that internal school tensions may have triggered the incident.

The students reportedly pointed to disputes over revised examination dates, additional charges for a cultural event, and influence from unrest at a neighbouring school.

According to investigators, the suspects discussed the plan at around 9 pm before carrying it out roughly three hours later.

CCTV footage has since provided crucial leads by capturing movements linked to the incident.

Further analysis indicates that some of the students allegedly gathered matchboxes, mattresses and paraffin ahead of the fire.

Detectives believe the fire started near the dormitory exit, a move that may have limited escape routes.

At the same time, school schedules helped shape the timeline.

Form Three students at Utumishi Girls retire at 9:35 pm, while Form Four students go to bed at 10:35 pm, placing the suspected events late into the night.

Also Read: Government Issues Fresh Directives to Boarding Schools After Utumishi Fire Incident

Investigations Widen

As the investigation deepens, homicide detectives now suspect that more individuals could have played a role.

The reported use of paraffin has raised questions about how it was obtained, prompting officers to pursue additional persons of interest.

Meanwhile, officers from the DCI Child Protection Unit, working alongside counsellors, continue to handle questioning sessions involving the minors.

Student Grievances Emerge

At the same time, investigators have linked the incident to grievances directed at the school administration, including the shift of examination dates from June 16 to June 2 and the requirement for students to contribute to a cultural event.

So far, the suspects have spent five days in custody as interrogations continue.

Authorities now await DNA results expected on Wednesday to help identify bodies that were severely burned.

Ultimately, the Naivasha court will decide whether the Utumishi Academy students will be released on cash bail or remain in custody as detectives finalise their probe.

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Students from Utumishi Academy appear at Naivasha Law Courts in Nakuru, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. PHOTO/ Brian Inganga/AP