Nine suspects detained for 21 days in Utumishi Girls Academy fire investigation
via Tuko1 min read
A Nakuru court has ordered the detention of nine suspects for an additional 21 days in connection with the fatal fire at Utumishi Girls Academy. Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Lorot ruled on Wednesday, June 3, that the suspects will remain at the Nakuru Children's Remand Home to allow investigators more time to probe allegations of murder and arson. The court acknowledged the constitutional right to bail but noted it is not absolute, especially when compelling reasons are presented. The prosecution bears the responsibility of demonstrating why an accused person should not be released. Factors considered by the court included the serious nature of the alleged offenses, the strength of the prosecution's case, the character of the accused, and the potential for witness interference. The case is scheduled for mention on Wednesday, June 24, for an update on the investigation's progress.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
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Must ReadLawyer 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