Court Restricts Media Coverage in Utumishi Girls Murder Case

The High Court in Kibera has barred media coverage of the Utumishi Girls Secondary School murder case and ordered mental health assessments for the eight students accused of killing 16 fellow students.

The suspects, who are all minors, appeared before the court through a virtual link on Friday while remaining in custody at Kabete Juvenile Remand Home. The judge informed them of the murder charges but postponed the taking of pleas until further assessments are completed. 

"You are charged with the murder of 16 girls at Utumishi Girls Secondary School. You are not required to plead to the charges for now," the judge said.

Deputy Registrar Barbara Akinyi directed that the students undergo mental health assessments at Mathare Mental Hospital from Monday, 29 June. A child psychiatrist will conduct the evaluations, supported by children's officers, to determine whether the accused are fit to stand trial. The court also ordered that protection and care files be opened for each of the minors.

The prosecution requested the assessments, saying they were necessary to establish the psychological condition of the suspects and ensure appropriate oversight during the proceedings. The court granted the application and ordered that the students' parents, guardians and legal representatives attend the next court mention on 1 July. Unlike Friday's virtual hearing, the accused are expected to appear in court in person.

The court also ruled that media organisations will not be allowed to report from the proceedings in order to protect the identities of the minors involved. The restriction reflects legal safeguards that apply to children facing criminal charges while the case proceeds through the justice system.