Lawyer Danstan Omari discusses rights of Utumishi Girls fire suspects and potential legal outcomes
via Tuko3 min read
Lawyer Danstan Omari has commented on the case of eight suspects linked to a fatal fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that resulted in the deaths of 16 students. Despite public calls for immediate imprisonment, Omari highlighted the constitutional rights of the accused children. He cited Article 53 of the Constitution, which outlines children's rights, including protection from abuse and the principle that detention should be a last resort for the shortest appropriate period. He also emphasized Article 532, stating that a child's best interests are paramount. Omari further referenced Article 49 regarding the rights of arrested persons, such as the right to be informed of the reason for arrest, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal representation, which the government would provide free of charge. He noted that the students have a right to reasonable bond or bail unless there are compelling reasons for continued detention. Omari explained that if charged with an offense punishable by a fine or imprisonment for not more than six months, the students would not be remanded. He also stated that their cases would not be heard in a public court, and media would not be allowed to capture their faces or names. Regarding the possibility of the suspects going free, Omari argued that evidence obtained from CCTV cameras in their sleeping area might be excluded due to a violation of their right to privacy under Article 31. He quoted the constitution, stating that evidence obtained
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Must ReadHealth Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has stated that the government will not seek public participation before establishing Ebola treatment and quarantine facilities across Kenya. This announcement came during his appearance before the National Assembly, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, where he briefed lawmakers on the country's preparedness for potential Ebola outbreaks. Duale's stance was met with questions from Members of Parliament, particularly concerning a proposed US-linked Ebola treatment center at Nanyuki Air Base in Laikipia county. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere voiced strong opposition, questioning the necessity of such a facility in Kenya given the US's advanced healthcare capabilities and its own policy on not allowing Ebola-exposed Americans into the country. Duale defended the government's decision, citing the Public Health Act, which he claims does not require public consultation in such circumstances. He emphasized the government's constitutional and moral duty to protect lives and ensure national health security before an outbreak occurs. Duale also clarified that the proposed Laikipia facility is one of 23 centers planned nationwide, all based on scientific evidence and expert recommendations, and assured that Kenyans would receive priority access to treatment at these facilities.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a forecast for rainfall and thunderstorms across several parts of the country over the next 24 hours, from Wednesday, June 3, at 9:00 p.m. to Thursday, June 4, at 9:00 p.m. Coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and Tana River, are expected to experience the heaviest downpours, with rainfall becoming more widespread on Thursday morning. Strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots 12.5 metres per second are also anticipated across parts of northwestern, northeastern, southeastern lowland, and coastal regions, affecting areas like Turkana, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Makueni, Kitui, and all coastal counties. Residents in affected areas, particularly coastal and wind-prone regions, are advised to remain alert due to potential impacts on transport and outdoor activities. Other regions, such as the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley, including counties like Kakamega, Kisumu, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, and Bungoma, are also expected to see scattered showers and thunderstorms. The Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, will experience partly cloudy conditions tonight, with light afternoon showers possible over high-altitude areas tomorrow. Northwestern and northeastern Kenya are largely expected to remain dry.
Ugandan-born New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has garnered mixed reactions after a video surfaced online showing him shouting 'one term'. The 34-year-old, who made history in 2025 by becoming the first Muslim, first South Asian, and one of the youngest mayors of New York City, was captured in the video repeating the phrase after being prompted by a group of ladies. Mamdani's 2025 mayoral campaign focused on housing affordability, worker rights, and economic justice. His actions come a year after William Ruto, whose government is opposed by those using the 'one term' slogan, dismissed assertions that he would only serve a single term.
Must ReadHealth Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that 12 Kenyan counties are at high risk for Ebola transmission due to the movement of people and goods along the Northern Corridor transport network. The identified counties include Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Homa Bay, and Migori. Duale stated that 29 counties have designated isolation facilities as part of the country's Ebola preparedness. Kenyatta National Hospital is establishing an 8-bed isolation and treatment unit, and the National Police Service Hospital has 49 beds ready for activation to support surge response efforts.