NAIVASHA, Kenya — A court in Kenya has authorized law enforcement to detain nine female students for three weeks while investigators continue examining their alleged involvement in a deadly dormitory fire that claimed 16 young lives at a girls’ boarding school.
The judicial ruling in Naivasha determined that the students will remain at a children’s facility during the 21-day period, allowing authorities to finish their investigation before deciding on formal charges in this case that has captured nationwide attention in the East African country.
The deadly blaze occurred on May 28, sweeping through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls School that accommodated 202 students. Authorities determined that the school matron did not unlock an emergency exit, compelling all residents to flee through just one doorway.
The nine suspects had been held by police for six days before the court hearing. During questioning, investigators learned the fire began when someone ignited a mattress positioned near the dormitory’s exit using matches and paraffin. Officials have not disclosed any motivation behind the alleged attack.
Law enforcement made the arrests following interviews with students and examination of security camera recordings that allegedly capture some students starting the fire within the dormitory building.
Hezron Mogire, representing the nine accused students, argued before the court that investigators lacked “compelling reasons” to justify the 30-day detention period they had requested.
“Nonetheless, the court has taken a different view. We have already briefed our clients, and they are well informed,” he said.
Mbogo Macharia, the attorney representing families of the 16 victims, urged authorities to conduct a complete investigation during the three-week timeframe.
“During that time, it is expected by the courts, by the nation, and also by us as the victims that the investigations will have concluded, 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,” he said.
DNA testing results to identify some remains that were severely burned are anticipated later Wednesday.
