The student who was suspected of starting a fire that killed 9 students at Moi Girls School, Nairobi will be remanded for 7 days to allow police conclude investigations.
Senior Principal Magistrate Theresa Nyangena ruled that “The suspect in great danger not just to the public but even to herself hence keeping her in custody will save her from hurting herself."
The prosecution submitted that the girl is being probed for murder, arson and other deliberate acts of crime.
The defence lawyer had opposed a request to detain the suspect arguing that locking up the defendant is not considerate and is extremely inconsistent with the procedures.
Meanwhile, the Court has ordered the media not to reveal the identity of the suspect who will be detained at Kilimani police station.
Earlier this week, detectives were still taking statements from the student while seeking to establish if she had worked with any other person in committing the crime.
They were also keen to establish from the girl’s parents on her background and what could have led her to commit the crime.
An initial report indicated that the girl had tried to commit suicide more than once and wanted to transfer from the school.
The fire is said to have started from the prime suspect’s cubicle before it quickly spread to adjacent ones and eventually destroyed the entire dormitory housing more than 300 Form One students.
The school has a population of more than 1000 students.
