Kenyan prosecutors to charge students with murder in deadly dormitory fire

The incident at Utumishi Girls’ School in Gilgil, approximately 100 kilometers north of Nairobi, resulted in the deaths of 16 pupils aged 15 to 18 and injuries to 132 others. Nine students from the school, which primarily serves children of police officers, remain in police custody, having been arrested on arson charges the day after the tragedy. The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges against the implicated students, who are expected to face 16 counts of murder each.

A spokesperson for the prosecutors office indicated that the suspects would likely be charged in court on Wednesday, but declined to provide further details as they are minors. Kenya has a history of deadly dormitory fires, with the Kenyan Red Cross recording at least 47 such incidents in 2026 alone. Several fires have occurred since the Utumishi incident, leading many boarding schools to send pupils home to prevent similar disasters.

Experts suggest these incidents may be linked to copycat attacks and frustration with the education system.