Eight minors charged over the deadly Utumishi Girls High School fire that claimed the lives of 16 students will remain at a children’s home until September 22, 2026, when the Kibera High Court is expected to rule on their application for bail and bond.
The minors, who appeared before the High Court as subject minors, denied 16 counts of murder arising from the fire that killed their fellow students.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions opposed their release, arguing that the nature of the case and the circumstances surrounding the deaths constitute compelling reasons to keep them in custody pending trial.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichuhi told the court that the incident resulted in the tragic loss of 16 young lives and continued to have a profound impact on the victims’ families and emergency responders.
“We have taken plea today against the eight minor subjects, however, this court should not forget that sixteen families lost their children,” Gichuhi submitted.
The prosecution further told the court that investigations indicate the fire was allegedly planned and coordinated before it was executed, raising concerns about the seriousness of the charges facing the minors. The State also argued that most of the prosecution witnesses are fellow students who interacted closely with the subject minors before the incident and could be vulnerable to intimidation or interference if the applicants are released.
According to the prosecution, releasing the minors at this stage could undermine the integrity of the trial, interfere with witnesses and inflict further trauma on the families of the victims.
The State further maintained that continued placement at a children’s home is also in the best interests of the subject minors, arguing that it offers protection from possible retaliation and psychological harm while the criminal proceedings continue.
“The denial of bond at this stage can play a protective role for the subject minors. There are compelling reasons indicating the need to protect witnesses, prevent interference and assess the risk of reoffending,” Gichuhi told the court.
Justice Diana Kavedza directed that the eight minors remain at the children’s home pending the determination of their bail and bond application.
The High Court is expected to deliver its ruling on September 22, 2026, when it will determine whether the subject minors will be released on bail as they await trial.
