"We Are Sorry": 7 Suspects In Utumishi Fire Reveal Motive Behind The Arson Attack
In their statements, the girls reportedly told detectives they were protesting changes to the examination calendar, the school's decision to charge them for a cultural event, and alleged peer influence after a neighbouring boys' school went on strike.
Investigations have also revealed that the plan to torch the dormitory was conceived at 9 p.m. and executed three hours later, as captured by CCTV cameras.
On the fifth day of investigations into the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy fire, detectives camped at Gilgil Police Station, where all seven suspects were interrogated.
DCI officers from the Child Protection Unit and counsellors were also involved in the grilling session.
The seven suspects are reported to have revealed the source of their frustrations leading to the unfortunate event that claimed the lives of 16 fellow students.
Their grievances, they claim, were directed at the school administration, which they accused of changing the examination calendar from June 16 to June 2.
Other reasons cited include a cultural event planned by the school, for which students were allegedly required to pay, and peer influence from friends at a neighbouring boys' school that had gone on strike a few days before the dormitory was set ablaze.
Investigations have also revealed that the decision to torch the dormitory was made three hours before the fire broke out.
Forensic analysis of CCTV footage has revealed the moment the plan was hatched, with matchboxes and paraffin allegedly secured hours before the attack, which was carried out at 12:10 a.m.
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Citizen TV has established that Form Three students at the school retire to bed at 9:35 p.m., while Form Four students go to bed at 10:35 p.m.
Homicide detectives probing the case believe the plan may have involved more individuals, as the presence of paraffin suggests an outsider could have assisted in acquiring the commodity.
Meanwhile, , who condemned the incident during Madaraka Day celebrations in the area, said there is a need for a collaborative approach to address cases of indiscipline in educational institutions.
