By Andrew Kariuki

Nine students suspected of involvement in the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire will remain in custody for the next 21 days after a Naivasha court allowed police additional time to complete investigations.

Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Lorot on Wednesday ordered that the minors be held at the Nakuru Children’s Remand Home until June 24, when the matter will be mentioned for an update on the status of investigations.

The ruling followed an application by investigators seeking to detain the students for 30 days as detectives continue probing the circumstances surrounding the tragic blaze that claimed 16 lives and left several other students injured.

However, the court granted a shorter detention period of 21 days.

According to the prosecution, the students are being investigated over allegations of murder and arson arising from the fire that swept through a dormitory at the Gilgil-based school on May 28.

In declining to release the minors on bail, the court noted that the allegations under investigation are serious and that most of the potential witnesses are fellow students known to the suspects.

The magistrate expressed concern that releasing the students at this stage could interfere with witness accounts and compromise ongoing investigations.

The court further observed that continued detention was necessary to protect both the integrity of the investigations and the welfare of the minors involved.

Investigators told the court that inquiries into the tragedy remain active and that detectives are still collecting evidence and recording statements from witnesses.

During the proceedings, the court also barred live media coverage, citing legal protections afforded to children and the need to safeguard the rights and identities of the minors.

The students came under investigation following the deadly fire that rocked Utumishi Girls Academy and triggered a nationwide debate on school safety, student discipline and boarding school security measures.

Authorities have indicated that CCTV footage forms part of the evidence being examined as investigators seek to establish the events leading up to the fire.

The tragedy has prompted heightened scrutiny of learning institutions across the country, with the Ministry of Education launching inspections of boarding schools and directing administrators to strengthen compliance with safety regulations.

The nine students will remain in remand as investigators work to finalize their probe before the matter returns to court later this month.