Nine students from Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil will remain in custody for 21 days after a Naivasha court allowed an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to facilitate ongoing investigations into the dormitory fire that killed 16 students and left dozens injured.

In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, June 3, the court agreed with the prosecution that more time was needed to complete investigations into possible arson and murder charges arising from the May 28 tragedy.

According to the DPP, key forensic processes, including DNA analysis and other scientific examinations, are yet to be concluded, making continued detention necessary to preserve the integrity of the investigations.

The prosecution also argued that holding the minors in custody would help safeguard their welfare and security given the sensitivity of the case and the intense public interest it has generated.

The court subsequently directed that the nine students be held at the Nakuru Children’s Remand Home for the duration of the detention period. During that time, officers from the Children’s Department will have regular access to the minors to ensure their rights and welfare are protected.

Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadhan further prohibited members of the media and the public from taking, publishing or sharing images of the students, citing legal protections afforded to minors.

The court also ordered that the students be granted access to legal representation and other support services throughout the proceedings.

The matter will be mentioned on June 24, 2026, when the court is expected to receive an update on the progress of investigations.

The ruling stems from a devastating fire that swept through a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in the early hours of May 28, claiming 16 lives and triggering a major investigation by authorities. Prosecutors had initially sought to detain the students for 30 days, but the court reduced the period to 21 days.

Investigators have indicated that forensic analysis of CCTV footage recovered from the school allegedly linked several students to the incident. Authorities are also examining broader circumstances surrounding the tragedy, including school safety measures and the events leading up to the fire.

Because the suspects are minors, their identities remain protected under Kenya’s juvenile justice laws.