The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Seven female students linked to the deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy were on Tuesday presented before a court in Naivasha, where they are expected to face arson-related charges.
The court session attracted a large crowd of relatives and friends of both the accused students and the victims of the tragedy.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
The students were arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations following the fire that killed 16 students and left several others injured. Investigators are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible offences related to arson and murder.
According to statements recorded by detectives, the suspects allegedly linked the incident to dissatisfaction over changes to the school examination timetable, charges imposed for a cultural event, and influence from a strike that had reportedly occurred at a neighbouring boys’ school.
Investigators believe discussions about setting the dormitory ablaze took place at around 9pm, with the plan allegedly executed about three hours later. CCTV footage is said to have captured crucial events before and during the incident.
The students were questioned at Gilgil Police Station by detectives from the DCI’s Child Protection Unit alongside counsellors.
Among the grievances cited were claims that the school administration had moved examinations from June 16 to June 2, as well as concerns over payments required for an upcoming cultural event.
Detectives reviewing CCTV footage reportedly identified preparations for the fire, including the alleged procurement of matchboxes, mattresses and paraffin before the incident.
Investigators noted that Form Three students normally retire to bed at 9:35pm, while Form Four students do so at 10:35pm.
Homicide detectives handling the case suspect additional individuals may have been involved, particularly due to questions surrounding the source of the paraffin used. Investigations into other persons of interest are ongoing.
Click Here To Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel
Meanwhile, seven students who sustained injuries during the fire remain admitted to hospitals in Nairobi, where they continue to receive treatment.
