Five arraigned over Thome Boys dormitory fire that killed one student

The five were, however, not charged as the prosecution requested 7 days to complete investigations and arrest two more students mentioned by the accused during interrogation.

Chief Magistrate Kithinji Rwito ruled that the five be released on a personal bond of Ksh.100,000 which is to be executed by their parents or guardian using their identity cards.

State lawyer Catherine Susan Keli representing the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) had requested the court to order the detention of the five minors at Nanyuki police station for 7 more days to allow police to conclude their investigations.

The accused, through their lawyers, had denied a plea by the prosecution to detain the suspects for 7 days to enable them to arrest the other two other suspects who are in school, saying that they have been in the hands of the police since November 1 hence excessive violation of their rights. 

The 1st, 3rd and 4th accused were represented by Mwangi Wanjohi, 5th accused by Lawyer Njuguna Kimani, while the 2nd was represented by Kiget Kiprotich.

The lawyers argued that it is the interests of the children which are paramount and which have not been observed by the court.

A Form Two student lost his life and two others seriously injured following a fire that broke out at the school on October 28.

The case will be mentioned on November 18.