Langata High School students charged with arson

Twelve students from Lang’ata High School have pleaded not guilty to three counts of arson and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Appearing before Magistrate Martha Mutuku, the students were charged with planning to burn Raila Dormitory Block, Form Three ‘Blue’ and other buildings in the school between the July 7 and 24, 2016.

Being minors, three of the accused persons were released on Sh200,000 with the parents being directed to deposit their IDs with the court to make sure they attend the next court proceedings.

The others were released on cash bail of Sh100,000 or a bond of Sh200,000 each.

The prosecution, through state counsel Duncan Ondimu, had earlier asked the court to hear the case next week saying that the accused persons, who allegedly plotted arson using their parents’ mobile phones, would interfere with witnesses who are their schoolmates.

“The students are facing a serious offence, the offence attracts a jail term of not less than 14 years in prison,” prosecution argued.

An application was however objected by the defence arguing that the students are traumatised and are set to sit for their exams.

They asked the court to hear the case after they sit for their final exams.

A warrant of arrest was issued to one of the student who failed to appear in court to answer to the charges.

The students were last week remanded for five days to allow police to investigate the allegations further.

The case will be heard on the 27th of September this year.