At least nine suspects linked to the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy fire are set to face 16 murder charges after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved their prosecution following a review of evidence submitted by investigators.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The decision follows a review of an investigation file submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which has been probing the circumstances surrounding the May 28 fire tragedy.

In the immediate aftermath of the May 28 tragedy, an inquiry into the fire was launched,  with detectives seeking to establish the cause of the blaze and determine whether criminal actions played a role in the tragedy.

Following the release of CCTV footage which showed several students appearing to start the inferno, the suspects were arrested and detained as investigators collected witness statements, forensic evidence and other material considered crucial to the case.

📌 What You Need to Know

The DCI subsequently forwarded its findings to the DPP for legal review and guidance on the appropriate charges to be preferred against the suspects.

By approving murder charges, the DPP has elevated the matter from a fire investigation to a homicide prosecution, significantly raising the legal stakes for those accused.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke