A Naivasha court authorised a 21-day remand for nine students as investigators probe a May 28 dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls School that killed 16 pupils. Authorities say a mattress was set alight near the dormitory exit and the matron allegedly failed to open an emergency door, forcing students through a single doorway. Police cite CCTV footage and student questioning in the arrests; investigators say no motive has yet been revealed. DNA test results to identify some charred bodies were expected later Wednesday.
Nine Students Remanded 21 Days as Kenya Probes Deadly Boarding-School Fire
Students from Utumishi Girls Academy appear at Naivasha Law Courts in Nakuru, Kenya, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)(AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
NAIVASHA, Kenya — A court in Naivasha on Wednesday authorised detectives to detain nine students for 21 days while they investigate an alleged arson attack at Utumishi Girls School that killed 16 pupils.
Court Orders Remand to Children’s Home
The court ordered that the nine girls be remanded to a children’s home to allow investigators time to complete inquiries and decide whether to file formal charges. The suspects have been in custody for six days.
Nine students from Utumishi Girls Academy appear at Naivasha Law Courts in Nakuru, Kenya, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)(AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
What Happened
The blaze on May 28 tore through the dormitory that houses 202 students. Investigators say a mattress was ignited near the dormitory exit using a match and paraffin. They allege the school matron failed to open an emergency door, forcing many students to flee through a single doorway.
Police say they arrested the nine girls after questioning other students and reviewing CCTV footage that they say shows some pupils starting a fire inside the dormitory. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive.
Court proceedings take place as nine students from Utumishi Girls Academy, not seen, appear at Naivasha Law Courts in Nakuru, Kenya, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)(AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Legal Responses and Calls for Swift Investigation
Hezron Mogire, lawyer for the nine students: "There are no compelling reasons" to hold them for 30 days as investigators sought. "We have already briefed our clients, and they are well informed."
Mbogo Macharia, representing the families of the 16 victims: "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... and we will have found a way forward in respect to finding justice for the victims."
Officials said DNA test results to identify some of the bodies that were charred beyond recognition were expected later Wednesday.
Note: Investigations are ongoing and authorities have not yet announced charges or a motive.
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