Investigations into the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls’ Senior School have taken a new turn after court documents revealed claims that nine students accused in the case may have attempted to interfere with evidence and influence witnesses.
A court in Naivasha heard that the students are suspected of encouraging their schoolmates to protect them by shifting blame for the fire to Form Four students.
Prosecutors also told the court that some of the accused allegedly urged others not to share information with investigators.
The nine Form Three students are linked to a fire that killed 16 learners and left 79 others injured after a dormitory blaze at the school.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations homicide team said it is still collecting evidence to determine the specific role of each suspect.
Investigators are also waiting for forensic, technical, and structural reports from agencies including Kenya Power and the Nakuru County Disaster Management and Fire Rescue Services.
Prosecutors argued that releasing the suspects at this stage could disrupt the case.
They told the court that the girls could potentially contact witnesses, influence their statements, or interfere with the recording of evidence.
They also raised concerns over public anger after CCTV footage from the school circulated widely.
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Defence lawyers opposed the detention request, arguing that the prosecution had not presented strong enough reasons to justify continued custody.
They insisted the minors are not a flight risk and promised they would cooperate with investigators and attend court when required.
The court also heard that the school was closed after the tragedy, and potential witnesses have since been dispersed across the country, making the investigation more complex.
Police said this has slowed the process of recording statements.
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