Utumishi Girls Case: Eight Minors Plead Not Guilty to Murder Charges

Eight minors charged over the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy have pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of murder before the High Court in Kibera.

The students appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza on 1 July after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions approved the charges. The court enforced measures to protect the identities of the accused in line with child protection laws.

Children’s officers were positioned around the dock to prevent the minors from being identified, while earlier court orders remain in place to keep their identities confidential throughout the proceedings. The plea hearing followed mental health assessments ordered by the court to determine whether the minors were fit to stand trial. 

After the charges were formally read, the defence applied for bail, arguing that murder is a bailable offence under Kenyan law. Defence lawyers asked the court to grant reasonable bond terms, stating that constitutional rights apply to children regardless of the seriousness of the charges.

The prosecution opposed the application, telling the court that survivors and the families of those who died continue to receive psychological support.