A Naivasha Magistrates Court has detained nine Utumishi Girls’ Academy students for 21 days to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to complete investigations into that fire that engulfed an upper floor of one of the dormitories, leaving 16 students dead.

In a ruling delivered by the Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Lorot on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the court has noted that it has been persuaded that the respondents (nine students) ought to be detained as prayed by the DCI.

However, Magistrate Lorot has stated that he has shortened the 30 days that had been sought and granted the investigators 21 days instead to conclude investigations to determine whether they will be charged.

“I now allow the application; the nine respondents suspects will be detained at Nakuru Children Remand Home for a period of 21 days from today,” Chief Magistrate Lorot ruled.

Lorot noted that the most compelling reason to deny the minors bail and bond is to ensure their safety and security, noting that there could be an outpouring of rage from the victims’ families, adding that it is not far-fetched that some have thought of revenge.

In addition, barred the media and any other persons from publishing the images of the suspects, noting that they are minors and every child is a unique and valuable human being, and, as such, his or her individual dignity, special needs, interests and privacy should be respected and protected, including the victims’.

“It is the reason we have taken every measure as a court to ensure we conceal and protect the identity of the respondents (9 students). They may well be innocent. That is for the trial court. Their safety is of paramount importance. This is the position that the court cannot walk away from,” Magistrate Lorot ruled.

In seeking to detain the suspects, the prosecution cited that the investigations on the matter have not been concluded, and if released, they are likely to interfere with investigations.

The prosecution argued that the students have demonstrated that they are likely to interfere with witnesses, as they have made overtures to some potential witnesses and asked them not to snitch and possibly divert responsibility to some other innocent parties.

The state also informed the court that there is enormous public outrage which is directed at the nine suspects, and releasing them at this stage may pose an imminent threat to their safety and security.

The matter will be mentioned on June 24, 2026, for further orders.