Eight students from Utumishi Girls' school in Gilgil, Nakuru county, Kenya, who are facing 16 counts of murder, have been denied bail by the court. The students, who were arrested and suspended from school following an incident, had sought release on bail pending the hearing and determination of their case. However, Justice Diana Kavedza ruled that releasing them would expose them to harm and compromise the integrity of the trial.
According to Justice Kavedza, the circumstances surrounding the case raised serious concerns that warranted keeping the minors in custody. The court found that letting them out now could interfere with the judicial process and affect the integrity of the proceedings. The students will be held at Kamae Girls Borstal Institution, located within the Kamiti Maximum Prison complex in Nairobi, instead of being released on bail.
The court set out specific conditions governing how the minors are to be held at the facility. Each of the eight students is entitled to an individual bed and cubicle, ensuring separate sleeping space rather than shared quarters. They will also have access to reading materials and medical care throughout their stay. A children's officer has been directed to monitor their safety at the facility for as long as they remain in custody.
The judge also addressed family contact, ruling that the minors' parents will be allowed to see their children once a month. In line with the law protecting the identity of minors in criminal proceedings, the court has barred the publication of the children's identities. The students are facing 16 counts of murder stemming from an incident that led to their arrest and eventual suspension from school.
The incident occurred at Utumishi Girls' school in Gilgil, Nakuru county, Kenya, and resulted in a fire that damaged the school's dormitory. The eight students, who are currently in custody, are awaiting trial. The court's decision to deny them bail was based on concerns for their safety and the potential impact on the trial.
The students will be held at Kamae Girls Borstal Institution, a facility that provides care and custody for minors. The institution is equipped to provide the necessary support and services for the students during their stay. The court's ruling ensures that the students' rights are protected while also ensuring that they do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
The case against the eight students will continue to be heard in court, with the prosecution presenting evidence and the defense presenting their case. The students' lawyers had argued for their release on bail, but the court ultimately ruled that it was in the best interest of the minors to remain in custody. The case has raised concerns about school safety and the well-being of students in Kenya.
Key points
- The eight students from Utumishi Girls' school were denied bail due to concerns for their safety and the potential impact on the trial.
- The students will be held at Kamae Girls Borstal Institution, where they will have access to individual beds, reading materials, and medical care.
- The court's ruling ensures that the students' rights are protected while also ensuring that they do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
