Court grants students request to sort arson case out of court

A Nairobi Children Court has granted students in an arson case their request to sort the case out of court.

In her ruling on Monday, Chief Magistrate Lucy Gitari, said over 70 schools had reported property destruction by fire allegedly caused by students, but she was also alive to the fact that court process is not meant to punish children but to correct them.

She further stated that the constitution also provides that the court is at liberty to consider other problem resolving mechanisms, especially where parties are willing to engage for a solution.

The Chief Magistrate further noted that since parents of the accused children have been in negotiation with the school to have the matter resolved outside the court, it is only fair to grant their request.

The magistrate has ordered the release the eight who are alleged to have attempted to burn down a dormitory in the Sunshine School located in Lang’ata at a personal bond of Sh50,000.

The case will be mentioned on August 2, 2016 to determine the progress of negotiations.