On September 21, 2026, High Court Judge Diana Kavedza ruled that the eight students from Utumishi Girls Academy will remain in custody at the Kabete Juvenile Remand Home throughout their trial. The students are facing 16 counts of murder each following a devastating dormitory fire at their school in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on May 28, 2026. The judge's decision aims to preserve public safety, protect witnesses, and ensure the integrity of the proceedings.
The Kibera High Court considered various factors before denying bail, including social inquiry reports compiled by probation officers and submissions from the prosecution and defense. The court noted that most prosecution witnesses are fellow students, dormitory mates, and classmates of the accused. Releasing the accused presented a substantial risk of witness intimidation or pressure, given that they are still in school.
The judge also took into account the intense public grief and anger following the tragedy, which posed risks to the personal safety of the minors if they were released. The court must balance the rights of the accused with public safety, the welfare of the minors, and the psychological impact on survivors and bereaved families. The students had pleaded not guilty to the charges on July 1, 2026, after undergoing mandatory psychiatric evaluations.
Prior to the court sessions, the eight students underwent psychiatric evaluations and were certified fit to stand trial. Throughout the court sessions, Justice Kavedza maintained strict measures under the Children Act to protect the identity of the accused. The media and the public were directed to refer to them exclusively as “subject minors” and prohibited from releasing their names or images.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions approved 16 murder charges against the eight students following investigations into the dormitory fire. The fire killed 16 students and left 79 others injured. State prosecutors noted that survivors and victims’ families continue to undergo trauma counseling and physical recovery following the incident.
The trial will now proceed under the direction of the Kibera High Court. The students are facing serious charges, and the court's decision ensures that they will be held in custody until the trial is completed. The judge's ruling aims to ensure a fair trial while also considering the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
The Utumishi Girls Academy tragedy has had a significant impact on the community, with many students and families still recovering from the trauma. The court's decision provides a measure of closure for the victims' families while ensuring that the accused receive a fair trial. The case will continue to be closely watched as it unfolds.
Key points
- The Kibera High Court denied bail to the eight Utumishi Girls Academy students due to concerns over public safety and witness intimidation.
- The students are facing 16 counts of murder each following a dormitory fire that killed 16 students and injured 79 others.
- The trial will proceed with the students held in custody at the Kabete Juvenile Remand Home to ensure a fair trial and protect witnesses.
