At least nine suspects connected to the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy fire are expected to face 16 counts of murder after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved their prosecution following a review of evidence compiled by investigators.
The decision comes after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) submitted an investigation file detailing the circumstances surrounding the May 28 inferno, which left several students dead and sparked nationwide concern.
According to the DPP, the evidence gathered was carefully examined before the decision to prefer murder charges was made.
“Upon careful assessment of the evidence, the Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges against the implicated students. The suspects will face sixteen counts of murder arising from the incident,” the office stated.
Investigations into the tragedy began immediately after the fire, with detectives tasked with establishing both the cause of the blaze and whether there was any criminal intent involved. The probe included collection of witness statements, forensic analysis, and other material evidence.
A key development in the case was the emergence of CCTV footage allegedly showing several students involved in igniting the fire. This evidence led to the arrest and detention of the suspects as investigators deepened their inquiries into the incident.
Following completion of the investigation, the DCI forwarded the file to the DPP for legal direction, culminating in the approval of murder charges. This development effectively shifts the case from a general arson inquiry to a homicide prosecution, significantly raising the legal stakes for those implicated.
In addition to authorizing the charges, the DPP raised alarm over the increasing number of arson-related incidents reported in schools across the country. The office warned that individuals found responsible for such offences would face strict enforcement of the law.
The caution comes amid growing concern within the education sector, where school unrest has reportedly led to widespread property destruction and disruption of learning. Ministry of Education figures indicate that more than 100 schools have experienced arson attacks, while over 200 institutions have been forced to close due to unrest-related incidents.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions expresses deep concern over the rising cases of arson and related criminal conduct in learning institutions,” the statement added, urging discipline and accountability among students and the public.
The DPP further assured Kenyans that the case will be handled impartially and transparently, emphasizing that justice will be pursued based on the evidence presented in court.
