Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache on Monday rejected their application for bond after considering reports showing that tensions surrounding the deaths of 16 students remain high within the school and the neighbouring community.
By Maureen KinyanjuiIn a ruling delivered on Monday, September 21, 2026, Justice Diana Kavedza said the immediate release of the eight students would expose them to a significant risk of harm.
By Samuel OtienoThe fire broke out in the early hours of May 28 as students were asleep. Authorities said it began on the first floor of one of the dormitories, which was later completely destroyed.
By Bradley BosireThe briefing to Parliament comes as lawmakers continue to examine the causes of recurring school unrest and the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in learning institutions.
By Bradley BosireAt the entrance, female police officers conducted detailed searches on students and inspected luggage before allowing them into the compound. The checks were introduced to ensure restricted items did not find their way back into the school.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe eight girls appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza and each entered a not guilty plea to the charges brought against them. At the outset of the proceedings, the judge emphasized that because of their age, they should be referred to as "subject minors" rather than accused persons.
By Maureen KinyanjuiIn a letter addressed to the school administration and the Nakuru County education office on Saturday, the parents called for the reopening process to be suspended until consultations involving all stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Education, are held.
By David AbonyoAccording to the families, the support they were promised after the tragedy has not been provided in a structured or lasting way, leaving them to deal with deep emotional pain on their own.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe Meline Waithera Dormitory is one of the residential blocks at Utumishi Girls Academy, named in honour of Meline Waithera Njoroge, the daughter of former Deputy Inspector General of Police Edward Mbugua, one of the school’s founders
By Chrispho OwuorThe organisation says 187 people have been treated for fire-related injuries this year. Out of these, 132 are linked to the Utumishi Girls Academy fire, which claimed 16 students and left others injured.
By Bradley BosireUtumishi Girls Academy founder Edward Mbugua said the deadly dormitory fire that killed 16 students should prompt Kenya to re-examine boarding school planning, infrastructure and overcrowding, including whether learners should travel long distances for education.
By Bradley BosireThousands gathered at Gilgil Stadium for a requiem mass for 16 Utumishi Girls Academy students who died in a dormitory fire on May 28. Reverend Kivuva urged survivors and parents to respond with patience and hope.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe 15 coffins were arranged in a solemn row at the centre of the venue, creating a painful reminder of the fire that struck the school on May 28, leaving 16 students dead and 79 others injured.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe ministry attributed the unrest to several factors, including leadership challenges within schools, examination-related anxiety, poor conditions in boarding facilities, alcohol and drug abuse, demanding school routines, peer influence, and copycat behaviour
By Chrispho OwuorGovernment Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the State continues to stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and the wider school community during what he described as a deeply painful moment for the nation.
By Bradley BosireHis remarks come at a time when the country is dealing with a new wave of school unrest, following the fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil that left 16 students dead and 79 others injured.
By Bradley BosireDr. Fernandes remarks comes as a wave of student unrest is disrupting learning in several Kenyan secondary schools, with incidents ranging from dormitory fires to protests over school management and examinations.
By Chrispho OwuorIn a communication issued on June 4, 2026 the school assured families that the situation had been swiftly handled and that academic activities had continued uninterrupted.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe court granted the application after agreeing with the prosecution that investigations into possible arson and murder charges remain ongoing and require additional time to be completed.
By David AbonyoSpeaking on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Mbae claimed that key education and inspection authorities should be held accountable, pointing to what he describes as blocked emergency exits, poor institutional supervision, and delayed accountability mechanisms.
By David AbonyoOmenya said the problem is widespread and not limited to a few schools, pointing to a system where safety standards are either weak or poorly enforced across the boarding education sector.
By Chrispho OwuorNot all lawmakers agreed that boarding schools were solely to blame. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo said the tragedies reflected wider problems in society and should not be viewed only through the lens of school management.
By Maureen KinyanjuiAmollo said lawmakers should not distance themselves from the challenges facing schools, insisting that every institution has a role to play in addressing the crisis.
By Chrispho OwuorThe Ministry of Education has ordered nationwide inspections of all boarding schools after the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire in Gilgil killed 16 students and injured dozens. Inspections begin June 2 and run for 10 days.
By David AbonyoThe footage reportedly shows the two students lighting a match before walking towards the dormitory entrance.
By Samuel OtienoIn a statement released on Friday, NCIC condemned the remarks and described them as unacceptable and unlawful, especially at a time when families are still coming to terms with the loss of their children.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe Interior CS said it was wrong for leaders to assign blame while probes into the fire that claimed 16 students are still ongoing, warning that such remarks risk interfering with investigations and misleading the public.
By Bradley BosireAddressing the media on Friday, the CS said early findings show that the warning was communicated in advance but no effective response was taken by the school staff before the tragedy occurred.
By Maureen KinyanjuiShe described how the situation turned even more dangerous as students faced limited escape options, leading to desperate jumps from upper floors in an effort to survive.
By Chrispho OwuorThe latest tragedy struck on May 28, 2026, at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, where 16 students died in a dormitory blaze.
By Nelson Wahome