By Bonface Mulyungi
Seven female students linked to the fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy were Tuesday presented before a Naivasha court.
They are set to face arson-related charges.
The hearing took place in a courtroom that was filled to capacity with friends and relatives of both the students and victims.
The suspects, who were taken into custody by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following the incident that left 16 students dead and several others injured, are expected to be formally charged as inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the dormitory fire continue.
Police are also examining possible links to arson and murder.
In their statements, the students are alleged to have told detectives that the incident was linked to protests over changes to the examination timetable, the school’s decision to levy charges for a cultural event, and influence from peers after a neighbouring boys’ school had staged a strike.
According to investigators, the plan to set fire to the dormitory is reported to have been discussed at around 9 pm and carried out approximately three hours later, with CCTV footage reportedly capturing key moments.
Officers from the Child Protection Unit within the DCI, together with counsellors, were involved in the questioning sessions at Gilgil Police Station.
The grievances raised are said to have been directed at the school administration, which is alleged to have shifted the examination dates from June 16 to June 2.
Other issues mentioned include a planned cultural event for which students were reportedly required to make payments, as well as peer influence from students at a neighbouring school.
A review of CCTV footage is reported to have captured preparations, including the alleged acquisition of matchboxes, mattresses and paraffin ahead of the incident.
Form Three students at the school are said to retire to bed at 9:35 p.m., while Form Four students go to bed at 10:35 p.m.
Homicide detectives involved in the probe believe more individuals could have been involved, noting that the presence of paraffin may suggest external assistance in obtaining the substance.
Detectives have also indicated that inquiries into additional persons of interest are ongoing.
Seven other students were injured in the incident and are receiving treatment in hospital in Nairobi..
