Nine students to face murder charges over deadly Utumishi Girls dormitory fire

Nine students are expected to be charged with murder over the deadly fire that swept through a dormitory at an all-girls school in Kenya, killing 16 students and injuring 132 others.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said it had approved 16 counts of murder against each of the suspects after reviewing evidence gathered by investigators into the May 28 tragedy at Utimishi Girls Academy.

The suspects, all minors, have been in custody under a court-approved detention order as police completed their investigations. Prosecutors argued that additional time was needed to finalize forensic examinations, including DNA analysis and a review of CCTV footage.

Investigators allege the dormitory fire was a case of arson and have previously told the court that the attack was premeditated and carried out shortly after midnight. The blaze tore through a dormitory housing more than 200 students, becoming one of Kenya's deadliest school fire disasters in recent years.

In approving the charges, the ODPP also expressed concern over a rise in arson incidents at schools across the country and warned that those responsible for criminal acts would be held accountable.

The tragedy prompted government action, including the suspension of the school's principal over alleged non-compliance with fire safety regulations, as authorities intensified scrutiny of safety standards in educational institutions nationwide.