A prominent Kenyan cleric has suggested that seven students suspected of starting a fatal school fire should be allowed to attend the funerals of their schoolmates.
Bishop Ben Kiengei, of Jesus Compassionate Ministry (JCM), shared his thoughts in a moving Facebook post as the girls face court proceedings following the tragedy.
The fire at Utumishi Girls Academy broke out on the night of May 28, 2026. The incident claimed the lives of 16 students and left several others injured.
A Plea for Understanding
Bishop Kiengei, also known as Muthee Kiengei, urged the public not to remain silent in the face of such a tragedy. He called for a balance of prayer, love, and correction for those involved.
“Reality hits when everyone goes silent on you. Let’s not get silent about these deaths, pray, encourage, love, and correct the involved.”
The Bishop specifically proposed that the suspects be present at the burials. He argued that witnessing the final farewells would help the teenagers comprehend the weight of the situation.
"Can the girls be allowed to attend these burials so that they can understand what true grief is...... Will their parents attend?” Kiengei posted.
Legal Battle Over Detention
While the Bishop calls for their presence at the funerals, the legal system is moving in a different direction. On Tuesday, the prosecution requested that a Naivasha court detain the seven suspects for 30 days.
State investigators argued that they need more time to record statements from witnesses who are currently scattered across the country. They also expressed concerns that releasing the girls on bail could compromise the ongoing investigation.
Safety is another major concern for the authorities. The prosecution noted that public outrage is high, especially after CCTV footage of the incident began circulating online. They believe the suspects' lives could be in danger if they are released into the community at this time.
The Motives Behind the Tragedy
Details emerging from the investigation suggest a planned attack. Detectives believe the fire was started around 9:00 pm and was carried out three hours later. CCTV footage reportedly captured the preparation, including the acquisition of mattresses, matchboxes, and paraffin.
The suspects allegedly told investigators the fire was a protest against several school issues. These included:
- The shifting of examination dates from June 16 to June 2.
- New charges were levied by the school for a planned cultural event.
- Influence from a strike at a neighbouring boys' school.
The Defence Responds
Lawyers representing the students have pushed back against the request for a month-long detention. Defence lawyer Kipkoech Ngetich argued that the state is seeking "pre-trial detention" before any formal charges have been preferred.
The defence dismissed claims that the minors could interfere with the probe.
"Can the children interfere with government agencies involved in the probe? No, that is not possible," Ngetich told the court.
As the court decides on the detention period, the school remains closed indefinitely. The government has pledged to foot the burial bills for the 16 victims as the community grapples with the silence of loss.
