The High Court in Naivasha has ordered that the nine students suspected of causing the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil be detained at the Nakuru Children’s Remand Home for 21 days as detectives continue their investigations into the May 28 tragedy that claimed 16 lives.

Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Lorot made the ruling on Wednesday, June 3, declining the prosecution’s request for a 30-day detention period but stopping short of granting bail.

The case will next be mentioned on June 24, 2026, when the court will assess the progress of investigations and give further directions.

In his ruling, the magistrate described murder and arson as serious offences and said releasing the suspects on bail could risk the ongoing investigation, noting that the suspects and potential witnesses are known to one another.

Detectives had informed the court that the case remained at a sensitive stage and that releasing the minors could compromise key witnesses and disrupt efforts to piece together the events leading up to the fire.

The court also barred the media from broadcasting the proceedings live, citing the suspects’ rights as minors under Section 220 of the Children’s Act.

CCTV footage is said to have implicated the students, reportedly showing them carrying out the plan and starting the fire.

The nine suspects will remain at the Nakuru Children’s Remand Home pending the next court mention as authorities continue to probe the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The ruling comes amid growing concern over student safety and unrest in secondary schools across the country.

As of Wednesday, over ten schools have been closed indefinitely following student disturbances, among them Lenana School, Loresho Girls, Naivasha Girls’ High School, and Senior Chief Koinange School.