Eight Kenyan students have been arrested in connection with an arson attack that killed six pupils and a teacher at Hillside Academy in Nyeri, central Kenya. The fire, which broke out late Sunday night, is believed to have been started by a group of students after a disciplinary dispute. Local authorities confirmed the arrests on Monday, following a swift investigation.
The incident has prompted calls for transparency from UK-based charity workers operating in the region, who have demanded an independent inquiry into the circumstances of the fire and the treatment of those detained. The charity, Education for All Africa, issued a statement urging the Kenyan government to ensure due process for the suspects, who are all minors. The fire comes amid a broader debate about school safety in Kenya, where overcrowding and poor infrastructure have been cited as contributing factors to previous tragedies.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised a full investigation. The case has also drawn attention to the role of foreign NGOs in sub-Saharan Africa, with some observers questioning their influence over local judicial procedures. The arrested students are currently being held pending a court appearance, while the charity workers continue to monitor the situation.
