The investigation into the devastating fire that claimed the lives of 16 students at Utumishi Girls’ Senior School has taken a dramatic new turn, with prosecutors alleging that some of the students linked to the case may have attempted to influence witnesses and interfere with crucial evidence.
The heartbreaking tragedy, which left the nation in mourning, unfolded when a fierce dormitory fire swept through the school, killing 16 learners and leaving 79 others nursing injuries. The incident sparked outrage, grief, and urgent calls for accountability as families sought answers over what caused one of the deadliest school disasters in recent years.
Now, court proceedings in Naivasha have revealed fresh allegations that could significantly impact the ongoing investigations.
Nine Form Three students who are being investigated in connection with the inferno appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court as detectives sought permission to continue holding them for an additional 30 days. According to prosecutors, investigators believe some of the suspects may have attempted to manipulate fellow students into protecting them from scrutiny.
The court heard claims that the students allegedly encouraged their schoolmates to shift responsibility for the fire to Form Four learners. Prosecutors further alleged that some of the suspects urged potential witnesses to remain silent and avoid sharing information with investigators.
The allegations have added a new layer of complexity to a case that has already shocked the country.
Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide unit told the court that they are still working to establish the exact role each suspect may have played in the deadly incident. Detectives explained that the investigation remains active and that several critical reports have not yet been completed.
Among the awaited documents are forensic findings, technical assessments, and structural reports from various agencies, including Kenya Power and the Nakuru County Disaster Management and Fire Rescue Services. Authorities say these reports will be crucial in helping them reconstruct the events leading up to the blaze.
Prosecutors argued that releasing the students before investigations are completed could jeopardize the case. They expressed concerns that the suspects could potentially contact witnesses, influence testimony, or interfere with the collection and recording of evidence.
The prosecution also pointed to heightened public interest in the case, particularly after CCTV footage from the school reportedly circulated widely, triggering strong reactions from members of the public.
However, defence lawyers strongly opposed the request to extend the students’ detention. They argued that investigators had failed to provide sufficient grounds to justify continued custody. According to the defence team, the minors are not a flight risk and have demonstrated a willingness to cooperate fully with authorities throughout the investigation.
The court also learned that the closure of the school following the tragedy has presented additional challenges for investigators. With students sent home to different parts of the country, tracking down and interviewing potential witnesses has become a difficult and time-consuming task.
Police say the dispersal of students has slowed the process of recording statements and gathering evidence, further complicating efforts to establish what truly happened on the night of the fire.
As investigations continue, grieving families and the nation at large remain anxious for answers. The tragedy has left deep scars on survivors, parents, teachers, and the entire education community, all of whom hope that the truth behind the deadly blaze will eventually come to light.
