A Naivasha court has ordered nine students linked to the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire to remain in custody for 21 days as investigations into the tragedy continue.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the court directed that the minors be detained at the Nakuru Children's Remand Home pending the completion of investigations into allegations of murder and arson arising from the fire that claimed 16 lives.
The prosecution had sought orders to hold the students for 30 days, arguing that detectives required additional time to record statements from key witnesses and complete inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
However, the court granted a shorter detention period of 21 days and scheduled the matter for mention on June 24, when investigators are expected to provide an update on the progress of the probe and receive further directions.
While issuing the orders, the court noted that the offences under investigation were grave and that releasing the suspects at this stage could interfere with ongoing investigations.
"The suspects and potential witnesses are known to one another, and there is a likelihood that investigations may be compromised if they are released at this stage," the court observed.
The court further stated that keeping the minors in custody was necessary for their own safety as investigations continue.
During the proceedings, the court also barred live media coverage of the case, emphasising that the rights and identities of the minors must be protected in accordance with the Children's Act.
The ruling follows a miscellaneous application filed by the prosecution on Tuesday seeking permission to detain the students for 30 days. Prosecutors told the court that investigators were still pursuing crucial witnesses believed to be in different parts of the country and needed additional time to piece together evidence relating to the fire.
According to the prosecution, the complexity of the case and the scale of the tragedy necessitated a longer custodial period to allow detectives to conclude investigations before any formal charges could be preferred.
The students were arrested following the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which left 16 students dead and several others injured.
Investigators have cited CCTV footage recovered from the school as part of the evidence under review. The footage is said to have captured events leading up to the outbreak of the fire and has formed a key part of the ongoing investigations.
The nine students will remain at the Nakuru Children's Remand Home until June 24, when the matter returns to court for mention.
Detectives required additional time to record statements from key witnesses and complete inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
However, the court granted a shorter detention period of 21 days and scheduled the matter for mention on June 24, when investigators are expected to provide an update on the progress of the probe and receive further directions.
While issuing the orders, the court noted that the offences under investigation were grave and that releasing the suspects at this stage could interfere with ongoing investigations.
"The suspects and potential witnesses are known to one another, and there is a likelihood that investigations may be compromised if they are released at this stage," the court observed.
The court further stated that keeping the minors in custody was necessary for their own safety as investigations continue.
During the proceedings, the court also barred live media coverage of the case, emphasising that the rights and identities of the minors must be protected in accordance with the Children's Act.
The ruling follows a miscellaneous application filed by the prosecution on Tuesday seeking permission to detain the students for 30 days. Prosecutors told the court that investigators were still pursuing crucial witnesses believed to be in different parts of the country and needed additional time to piece together evidence relating to the fire.
According to the prosecution, the complexity of the case and the scale of the tragedy necessitated a longer custodial period to allow detectives to conclude investigations before any formal charges could be preferred.
The students were arrested following the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which left 16 students dead and several others injured.
Investigators have cited CCTV footage recovered from the school as part of the evidence under review. The footage is said to have captured events leading up to the outbreak of the fire and has formed a key part of the ongoing investigations.
The nine students will remain at the Nakuru Children's Remand Home until June 24, when the matter returns to court for mention.
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