Five students from Magereza Academy in Naivasha have been charged in court with arson and malicious damage to property following a fire incident that destroyed part of a school dormitory and caused losses estimated at Ksh5 million.
The minors, who appeared before Naivasha Principal Magistrate Wilson Rading, are accused of orchestrating and executing a May 5 attack in which a dormitory was set ablaze, forcing the temporary closure of the institution that serves more than 800 learners.
They denied both charges and pleaded not guilty.
Through their lawyer, Mbugua Macharia, the accused sought release on a personal bond, telling the court that the minors had allegedly been assaulted during a three-day detention and were denied medical attention as well as access to their parents.
The defence maintained that the students remain presumed innocent until proven guilty and urged the court to grant them bond, noting that their parents were willing to stand surety and ensure compliance with all court appearances.
State Prosecutor Joyce Sterling did not oppose their release on bond.
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Principal Magistrate Wilson Rading granted each of the five students a personal bond of Ksh100,000 and scheduled the matter for mention on July 1.
Following the incident, Magereza Academy Board of Management chairman Lawrence Mogaka confirmed that the institution had been closed after consultations with the Ministry of Education and school leadership.
“Following consultations between the Ministry of Education, the management and the board, it was resolved to close the school due to the fire that destroyed the dormitory and the current situation affecting secondary schools in Kenya,” he said.
The case comes amid heightened concern over a recent wave of school fires reported in various parts of the country, prompting renewed scrutiny of student safety and discipline in learning institutions.
By Frank Mugwe
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