High Court Denies Bail to Eight Minors Over Utumishi Girls’ Fire

The High Court in Kibra has denied bail to eight minors accused in connection with the Utumishi Girls’ Academy fire that killed 16 students in May.

Justice Diana Kavedza ruled that the minors should remain in custody, citing concerns about their safety and the integrity of the trial. She said their detention was not intended as punishment but as a protective measure.

The court noted that the minors had experienced bullying, harassment and discrimination while in remand facilities. Justice Kavedza said releasing them into a hostile environment could expose them to further harm. The court also considered pre-bail reports and tensions within the community before concluding that the risks outweighed the grounds for release.

Justice Kamae, who contributed to the directions, stressed that the severity of the allegations did not remove the minors’ rights as children. The court ordered that they continue to receive counselling and psychological support and that arrangements be made to prevent disruption to their education during the trial.

Seven of the girls will be transferred to Kamae Girls Borstal Institution within Kamiti Prison, while the boy will be placed at Kamaya Boys Home Institution. The fire at Utumishi Girls’ Academy broke out shortly after midnight on 28 May in a dormitory housing more than 200 students. Sixteen girls died and 79 others were injured. Some suffered smoke inhalation, while others were injured after jumping from upper floors as they tried to escape.

Investigations identified several safety concerns, including overcrowding and locked exits that hampered evacuation. CCTV footage indicated that the fire started on the first floor, where dozens of students were trapped.