Five students from Kerugoya Girls Secondary School in Kirinyaga county were Monday evening arraigned before a Kerugoya law court for allegedly setting ablaze their school's dormitory.
The accused whose ages range between 16 to 17 years were charged with committing arson. They are said to have committed the crime 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.
Also Read:
The accused has, however, denied the charges and have requested the court to be released on reasonable bail terms.
Their application has, however, been rejected by lead prosecutor Beatrice Muthoni who asked the court to issue stringent terms and tougher bail terms to them noting that their case was a serious one.
"Arson is a serious offence punishable by law. As such, I propose tough bail terms to the accused arraigned before you," the prosecutor said.
According to county head of disaster management John Kiama, the fire which broke on Sunday evening destroyed 145 students' beds, mattresses and an assortment of students personal effects.
In addition, 42 students were hospitalized after being rendered unconscious for inhaling the smoke from the fire that was razing the dormitory.
Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku has, however, directed the probation officer to conduct an investigation reflecting on the social status of the accused before the bail terms are considered by the court.
In the meantime, as the investigations continue, the accused will remain under police custody until the case will be mentioned on Wednesday.
