The prosecution has petitioned the court to hold several student suspects in custody for 30 days as investigations continue into the Utumishi Girls fire — an incident that has triggered widespread public anger and forced the indefinite shutdown of the school. Citizen Digital reports
During Tuesday’s court session, the prosecution maintained that detectives need additional time to wrap up their inquiries, particularly the task of locating and recording statements from crucial witnesses said to be scattered in various parts of the country.
The State told the court that early findings suggest the investigation could be compromised if the suspects are freed on bail or bond.
More than 1,000 buildings have burned in multiple wildfires that have erupted around America’s second biggest city, forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
“The school has since been closed indefinitely and students released to their parents. Potential key witnesses in the matter are located in different parts of the country, and investigators need time to get them and record their statements,” the prosecution submitted.
Prosecutors further contended that the suspects face grave charges and that the level of public outrage surrounding the case could put their lives in danger if they were released.
“The incident has elicited public outrage, thus placing the safety and lives of the respondents in danger if they are released on bail or bond,” the State argued.
nvestigators also pointed to the circulation of CCTV footage tied to the incident, noting that its release had inflamed public sentiment and raised fresh security concerns for those implicated.
“The safety and security of the respondents is key, especially after the release of the CCTV footage,” the prosecution added.
The State asked the court to find these grounds sufficient to justify keeping the suspects at the Nakuru Children’s Remand Home for the next 30 days.
“We also believe it is in the interest of justice to grant the orders we have sought,” the prosecution stated.
Lawyers acting for the victims threw their weight behind the application, urging the court to weigh the seriousness of the alleged offences and the importance of safeguarding the investigation.
“We are in support of the application. In considering this application and based on the Victim Protection Act, we urge the court to take into account the magnitude and nature of the offence as well as the public outcry,” the victims’ lawyer told the court.