Nine students face 16 murder counts in deadly Utumishi Girls blaze
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has approved 16 counts of murder against nine students implicated in the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County that claimed the lives of 16 learners on May 28, 2026.
In a statement issued today, June 23, 2026, the ODPP said it had completed its review of a preliminary inquiry file submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) concerning the inferno that broke out at the school and concluded that the available evidence supports murder charges against the implicated students.
“Upon careful assessment of the evidence, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved charges against the implicated students. The suspects will face sixteen (16) counts of murder arising from the incident,” the ODPP said.
Nine students were earlier arrested in connection with the tragedy, although the prosecution agency did not immediately clarify how many of them will ultimately be formally charged.
The decision marks a major milestone in investigations into the incident, which sparked national outrage and renewed debate over safety, discipline and student welfare in schools.
The fire broke out on the night of May 28, 2026 killing 16 students and causing extensive destruction to school property.
The latest development comes weeks after the Naivasha Law Courts granted an application by the DPP to detain the nine students for 21 days to allow investigators to complete inquiries into possible arson and murder charges.
At the time, prosecutors told the court that key forensic processes, including DNA analysis and other scientific examinations, had not been finalised and that additional time was needed to conclude investigations.
The prosecution further argued that continued detention of the minors was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the investigations and ensure their welfare, given the sensitivity of the case and the significant public interest it had generated.
Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramadhan directed that the students be held at the Nakuru Children’s Home during the detention period and granted them access to officers from the Children’s Department, legal representation and other support services.
The court also barred members of the public and media from publishing or disseminating images of the students in compliance with laws protecting minors.
Investigators had previously informed the court that the alleged plan to torch the dormitory was conceived at around 9 p.m. and executed approximately three hours later.
According to detectives, forensic analysis of CCTV footage captured movements leading up to the blaze, with matchboxes, mattresses and paraffin allegedly obtained before the fire erupted shortly after midnight.
Detectives from the DCI’s Child Protection Unit, working alongside counsellors, conducted interviews as part of the investigations.
Investigators also cited grievances allegedly raised by some students against the school administration, including concerns over changes to the examination calendar and other school activities.
Homicide detectives had indicated that investigations were ongoing to establish whether additional individuals may have participated in planning or carrying out the suspected arson attack.
The ODPP also expressed concern over the recent rise in arson incidents and related criminal acts in learning institutions across the country, warning that those found responsible would face the full force of the law.
“The DPP expresses deep concern over the recent increase in reported incidents of arson and other related acts of criminal conduct in educational institutions across the country. We wish to caution students and members of the public that individuals found culpable of such criminal offences will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
The prosecution agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice through a fair, impartial and evidence-based prosecution process.
