Kenyan prosecutors are preparing murder charges against students accused of starting a deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls’ School. The fire occurred in the early hours of 28 May at the school in Gilgil, about 100 kilometres north of Nairobi, shortly after midnight. Sixteen students, aged 15 to 18, die, while 132 are injured. The Kenyan authorities say nine pupils from the school remain in police custody and most were arrested the day after the tragedy on charges of arson.
Prosecutors say the Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges after reviewing the evidence. A spokesperson indicates the suspects are likely to be charged in court on Wednesday, but does not specify how many will be charged or provide additional details because the suspects are minors. The prosecution statement says the charged suspects would face multiple counts of murder related to the 16 deaths.
Reports also note that Kenya has experienced several past dormitory fires and that the country has recorded dozens in 2026, according to the Kenyan Red Cross, while some experts point to copycat attacks and broader issues tied to the education system’s conditions.
