The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved 16 counts of murder against nine suspects linked to the devastating Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire.

The decision follows months of intensive investigations into the May 28 disaster, which stands as one of the deadliest school tragedies in Kenya’s recent history.

The Office of the DPP confirmed the development in a statement, noting that a meticulous review of the file submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed sufficient grounds for criminal prosecution.

“Upon careful assessment of the evidence, the Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges against the implicated students,” the statement read. “The suspects will face sixteen (16) counts of murder arising from the incident.”

The fast-moving blaze tore through a dormitory section of the academy, trapping and killing 16 students. The tragedy triggered nationwide grief, widespread public outrage, and immediate demands for accountability.

In the wake of the disaster, the incident renewed an intense national debate surrounding, increasing cases of severe student unrest across public boarding schools, the enforcement of stringent Ministry of Education safety protocols in school dormitories.

Systemic accountability gaps within the administration of learning institutions.

The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court to take their pleas once administrative and medical evaluations, standard for minors facing capital offenses, are finalized.