DPP approves 16 murder charges against nine students over deadly Utumishi Girls Academy dorm fire

DPP approves 16 murder charges against nine students over deadly Utumishi Girls Academy dorm fire

Nine students are set to face 16 counts of murder after the DPP approved their prosecution over the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire in Nakuru following a DCI investigation.

At least nine students linked to the deadly fire that razed a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy are set to face 16 counts of murder after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved their prosecution following a review of evidence gathered by investigators.
In a statement, the DPP confirmed that sufficient evidence had been established to support murder charges against the suspects over the May 28, 2026 inferno that claimed 16 lives.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions, upon careful assessment of the investigation file and the evidence presented, has approved charges against the implicated students. The suspects will face sixteen (16) counts of murder arising from the incident,” the statement said.
The decision follows an extensive investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which was tasked with establishing the cause of the fire and determining whether criminal actions contributed to the tragedy.
The suspects were initially detained shortly after the fire, after CCTV footage allegedly captured several students in circumstances suggesting possible involvement in the blaze. Investigators later obtained court orders allowing them to continue holding the students as inquiries intensified.
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During the detention period, detectives recorded statements from students, teachers and school staff, while forensic experts examined the scene and collected evidence to reconstruct the events leading to the fire.
The investigation focused on establishing the origin of the blaze, identifying those responsible, and determining whether their actions met the threshold for criminal prosecution.
After completing the probe, the DCI forwarded its findings to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal review and guidance on appropriate charges.
Upon evaluating the evidence, the DPP concluded that the material gathered provided sufficient grounds to prosecute the suspects for murder in connection with the deaths of the 16 victims.
The approval of the charges marks a significant milestone in the high-profile case, which has drawn national attention and raised renewed concerns about safety in learning institutions.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court to answer to the charges as the criminal justice process begins.

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