This archive report was first published on 10 July 2021.
On June 26, a devastating fire broke out at Tengecha Girls High school in Kapkatet location, Bureti sub-county, Kericho, destroying two dormitories valued at Sh4, 129,290.
A 15-year-old Form One student has been charged with arson in connection with the fire. She was arraigned before Kericho Resident Magistrate Elizabeth Karani on Friday and denied the charges.
According to the charge sheet, the student allegedly set fire to the Kenya and Kilimanjaro dormitories, causing significant damage to school property.
Despite denying the charges, the student was granted a bond of Sh100, 000 with one surety of a similar amount. However, she was directed to keep off from the school pending the hearing and determination of the case.
A probation report presented in court revealed that the minor had a history of theft and was regarded as a liar by her teachers. It was also alleged that she had a habit of failing to submit her exam papers, only to revise and pass them.
The case has been set for mention on July 14, when a pre-trial will commence. Arson is a serious offense in Kenya, punishable by life imprisonment.
