Eight Utumishi Girls Students charged with murder denied bail
The students pleaded not guilty when they appeared before High Court Judge Diana Kavedza in July.
In a hearing at the Kibera High Court in Kenya, eight Utumishi Girls Academy students accused of murder were denied bail in relation to a dormitory fire that killed 16 of their peers. The minors are charged with 16 counts of murder following the deadly incident at the school in Gilgil, Nakuru County. When the students appeared before Judge Diana Kavedza in July, they all pleaded not guilty.
The court has maintained anonymity for the minors, referring to them as “subject minors” during the proceedings. Prosecutors argued against granting bail, citing the gravity of the charges and the ongoing need for psychological support for both the fire survivors and the victims' families. The fire, which occurred in late May 2026, resulted in multiple injuries, totaling 79 students.
The court has been handling the case with child-protection protocols, emphasizing the confidentiality of the minors' identities. Prior to their plea, the eight students underwent mental evaluations and were deemed capable of participating in the legal process. The murder case will continue under the guidance of the Kibera High Court, with the prosecution and defense progressing through the legal proceedings.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
