Five students from Kerugoya Girls High School in Kirinyaga county were Monday evening arraigned in court for allegedly setting the school’s dormitory on fire.
The learners, aged between 16 to 17 years, appeared before a Kerugoya law court where they were charged with committing arson. They reportedly committed the offense on November 14 for unknown reasons.
“The accused, jointly with others not before the court, intentionally and unlawfully set fire to the dormitory of unknown value, property of Kerugoya Girls High School,” their charge sheet read.
The students denied the charges and requested the court to be released on reasonable bail terms.
Lead prosecutor Beatrice Muthoni however opposed lenient bail terms and asked the court to issue stringent terms.
“Arson is a serious offence punishable by law. As such, I propose tough bail terms to the accused arraigned before you,” the prosecutor said.
Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku directed the probation officer to conduct an investigation on the social status of the accused persons before the bail terms are considered by the court.
County head of disaster management John Kiama said the fire which broke out on Sunday evening destroyed 145 beds, mattresses and an assortment of students’ personal effects.
42 students were also hospitalized after being rendered unconscious for inhaling the smoke from the fire.
