The Kibera High Court has denied bail to eight Utumishi Girls Academy students facing 16 counts of murder each following a devastating dormitory fire that killed 16 fellow students and left 79 others injured.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, September 21, 2026, High Court Judge Diana Kavedza ruled that the eight “subject minors” will remain in custody at the Kabete Juvenile Remand Home throughout their trial to preserve public safety, protect witnesses, and ensure the integrity of the proceedings.
“The court finds that the immediate release of the eight would expose them to an appreciable risk of harm,” Justice Kavedza noted, adding that 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 judge weighed social inquiry reports compiled by probation officers alongside submissions from the prosecution and defense before issuing the decision.
The court highlighted that most prosecution witnesses are fellow students, dormitory mates, and classmates. Releasing the accused presented a substantial risk of witness intimidation or pressure.
Due to intense public grief and anger following the tragedy, releasing the minors posed risks to their personal safety.
State prosecutors noted that survivors and victims’ families continue to undergo trauma counseling and physical recovery following the incident.
The tragedy occurred on the night of May 28, 2026, at the Utumishi Girls Academy boarding facility in Gilgil, Nakuru County. Following investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions approved 16 murder charges against the eight students.
When the students appeared before the Kibera High Court to plead to the charges on July 1, 2026, they pleaded not guilty. Prior to pleading, all eight underwent mandatory 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, directing media and the public to refer to them exclusively as “subject minors” and prohibiting any release of their names or images.
The trial will now proceed under the direction of the Kibera High Court.