Kenyan Schoolgirls Charged With Murder After Deadly Arson Attack

Eight students face 16 counts of murder following a May 28 fire at the Utumishi Girls School in Gilgil, Kenya, which killed 16 peers after blocked exits trapped students inside.

The Tragedy in Gilgil

On May 28, a fire broke out at the Utumishi Girls School in Gilgil, approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. The blaze killed 16 students aged 15 to 18 and left dozens injured.

The high casualty count was attributed to the fact that students were unable to open the emergency exit. All 202 residents of the dormitory were forced to flee through a single door.

Legal Action Against Students

Following the fire, police arrested eight students identified through surveillance footage as being involved in planning and executing the arson. They reportedly ignited mattresses placed near the exit.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved 16 murder charges against the suspects. They are scheduled to appear in the Naivasha court this Wednesday.

Safety Negligence and Arson Trends

The prosecutor expressed concern over a recent surge in school arsons, often attributed to students protesting living conditions or teacher treatment. Authorities warned that those responsible will face strict legal consequences.

Education Minister Julius Ogamba noted that the tragedy was compounded by safety failures, including overcrowding and blocked emergency exits. Two years ago, a fire at a boys’ boarding school in central Kenya killed 21 people, leading to the closure of over 300 schools for safety violations.