Seven Utumishi Academy students to appear in court over deadly school fire that killed 16
Seven Utumishi Academy students to appear in court over deadly school fire that killed 16
Seven suspects linked to the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, which left 16 students dead, are expected to appear in court on Tuesday as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the dormitory blaze.
Seven suspects linked to the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, which killed 16 students, are expected to be taken to court on Tuesday.
Investigators say the girls told detectives they were upset over several issues at the school, including changes to the examination timetable, the introduction of a fee for a cultural event, and influence from peers after a nearby boys’ school staged a strike.
According to police findings, the plan to set fire to the dormitory was allegedly made around 9 pm and carried out about three hours later.
CCTV footage is said to have captured key moments leading up to the incident, including the alleged preparation of matchboxes and paraffin hours before the blaze.
The fire broke out at about 12:10 a.m. School records show Form Three students usually go to bed at 9:35 pm, while Form Four students retire at 10:35 pm.
On the fifth day of investigations, detectives remained at Gilgil Police Station, where the seven suspects were being questioned. Officers from the Child Protection Unit, alongside counsellors, took part in the interviews.
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Police say the suspects said their frustrations were mainly directed at the school administration.
They claimed the examination timetable had been moved from 16 June to 2 June, which added to their anger.
They also pointed to the cultural event charges and outside influence from students at a neighbouring boys’ school that had recently gone on strike.
Homicide detectives believe the attack may have involved more people. The presence of paraffin has raised concerns that someone outside the school may have helped obtain it.
Investigators have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing, with more suspects still being sought in connection with the arson attack.
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