A Kenyan court has ordered nine minors suspected in a deadly school fire to remain in custody for 21 days as investigations continue.
The High Court in Naivasha ruled on Wednesday that the nine students from Utumishi Girls' Academy in Gilgil be held at the Nakuru children's remand home. Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Lorot rejected the prosecution's request for 30 days of detention and set June 24 as the next mention date.
The suspects face charges related to murder and arson after a fire on May 28 killed 16 girls. CCTV footage reportedly showed the students carrying out the plan. The magistrate denied bail, citing the seriousness of the offences and the risk that releasing the suspects could jeopardise investigations.
The court also barred live media coverage of the proceedings to protect the minors' rights under the Children's Act. The ruling comes as authorities inspect boarding schools nationwide following student unrest that has led to the closure of more than 10 institutions.
