The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved murder charges against students linked to the Utumishi Girls Academy arson incident in Nakuru County that occurred on 28th May 2026.
In a press statement dated June 23rd 2026, ODPP confirmed that it had received and reviewed the preliminary inquiry file submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regarding the tragedy at the school on May 28 2026.
“Upon careful assessment of the evidence, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved charges against the implicated students. The suspects will face sixteen (16) counts of murder arising from the incident,” read part of the statement.
Charges Approved Following DCI Investigation
ODPP has confirmed receipt and review of the preliminary inquiry file submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations regarding the arson incident at Utumishi Girls Academy on 28 May 2026.
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After examining the evidence gathered during investigations, the DPP approved charges against the implicated students. The suspects are set to face 16 counts of murder arising from the incident.
Growing Concern Over School Arson Incidents
In its statement, the Office of the DPP expressed concerns over a worrying rise in arson and related criminal conduct in schools across the country.
The office cautioned students and members of the public that individuals found culpable in such offences will face full legal accountability under Kenyan law. The warning comes amid heightened scrutiny of discipline and safety in boarding schools, where arson cases have led to loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of academic calendars.
“We wish to caution students and members of the public that individuals found culpable of such criminal offences of this nature will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” read part of the statement.
DPP extended condolences to the families, friends, and the school community affected by the tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy, acknowledging the incident’s emotional and social impact.
DCI Identifies Seven Students in Utumishi Girls Fire
According to the DCI, investigation established a breakthrough following detailed forensic analysis of CCTV footage recovered from the school.
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The analysis, conducted in collaboration with teachers, confirmed the identities of students who had lit the fire before escaping the scene.
“After conducting a thorough, detailed forensic analysis of the CCTV footage recovered from the school, coupled with enhanced review at the Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory at DCI National Police Service Forensics Laboratory, a positive identification of the students who lit the fire has been realized,” the directorate noted.
The DCI stated that seven students have now been identified as having participated in the arson incident, as the findings were based on an enhanced review of CCTV footage at the Forensic Imaging and Acoustic Laboratory at the DCI National Police Service Forensics Laboratory.
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