Eight Utumishi Girls teens denied bail over 16 murder charges
Justice Diana Kavedza upheld the prosecution's objection to the release of the minors, finding that the state had demonstrated compelling reasons for their continued detention pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The High Court in Kibera has today denied bail to eight teenagers charged with the murder of 16 students in a school fire at the Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, ordering that they remain in custody as the prosecution prepares to proceed with the case.
Justice Diana Kavedza upheld the prosecution’s objection to the release of the minors, finding that the state had demonstrated compelling reasons for their continued detention pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The eight minors face 16 counts of murder arising from the deaths of 16 students in a fire that broke out at the school on the night of May 27 and 28, 2026.
The prosecution alleges that the minors acted jointly in causing the deaths, placing the case among the most serious criminal proceedings involving minors currently before the courts.
The ttate, through the Director of Public Prosecutions, opposed their release on bond, arguing that their continued detention was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the proceedings and ensure the proper administration of justice.
In her ruling, Justice Kavedza said the circumstances surrounding the case warranted the minors remaining in custody at this stage.
The judge further found that their immediate release could expose them to potential harm and directed that they be remanded at Kamae Girls Borstal Institution, within the Kamiti Maximum Prison complex along Kamiti Road.
Strict custody conditions
While declining to grant bail, Justice Kavedza issued detailed directions on the treatment and welfare of the minors during their detention.
Each minor is to be provided with an individual cubicle and bed, ensuring separate sleeping arrangements.
The court also directed that the minors have access to reading materials and medical care while in custody.
A children’s officer has been tasked with monitoring their safety and welfare throughout their stay at the institution.
The judge further ordered that the minors’ parents be allowed to visit or have contact with their children once every month.
The custody orders underscore the distinction between detention pending trial and punishment, with the accused minors remaining subject to the presumption of innocence as the prosecution case proceeds.
Identity shielded
Justice Kavedza also barred the publication of the identities of the eight accused minors, in keeping with legal protections governing children involved in criminal proceedings.
The restriction means that their names and other information capable of identifying them cannot lawfully be published as the case moves through the courts.
The bail application had brought into focus the competing considerations before the court: the minors’ right to liberty pending trial and the prosecution’s concerns over their safety and the integrity of the proceedings.
Having considered the State’s submissions and the circumstances presented before her, Justice Kavedza ordered that the eight remain at Kamae pending the hearing and determination of the murder case.
The prosecution team comprises Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, Senior Assistant Directors of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichuhi and Maryanne Mwangi, together with prosecutors Linda Ndambiri, Paul Ochieng and Peris Maina.
