The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Seven suspects linked to the Utumishi Academy dormitory fire that killed 16 students are expected to be arraigned in court on Tuesday as investigations into the tragedy continue.
According to their statements, the suspects allegedly admitted that frustration over several school decisions contributed to the incident, including changes to the examination timetable, charges imposed for a cultural event, and influence from students in a neighboring boys’ school that had staged a strike.
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Investigators say the plan to set the dormitory on fire was allegedly discussed around 9 p.m. and carried out roughly three hours later, with CCTV footage reportedly capturing key movements linked to the incident.
On the fifth day of probing the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, detectives based at Gilgil Police Station continued interrogating the seven suspects, with officers from the Child Protection Unit and counsellors also taking part in the sessions.
The suspects are said to have detailed grievances directed at the school administration, particularly over the rescheduling of examinations from June 16 to June 2.
They also cited dissatisfaction with a planned cultural event that required student contributions, as well as alleged peer pressure following a strike at a nearby boys’ school.
Investigators further revealed that preparations for the arson were completed hours before the fire, with forensic analysis of CCTV footage showing when the plan was allegedly formed and when materials such as paraffin and matchboxes were obtained.
The fire is reported to have broken out at around 12:10 a.m., with students having already retired to their dormitories earlier in the evening depending on their class levels.
Homicide detectives believe more individuals may have been involved, noting that the presence of paraffin suggests possible outside assistance in acquiring the accelerant used.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing as they pursue additional suspects believed to have played a role in the deadly incident.
