Court Denies Bail to 8 Utumishi Girls Fire Suspects

Court Denies Bail to 8 Utumishi Girls Fire Suspects

The High Court in Kibera has denied bail to eight minors facing 16 murder charges linked to the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

Justice Diana Kavedza dismissed the bail applications on Monday, September 21, 2026, after considering submissions from the prosecution and defence, alongside pre-bail, social inquiry and psychosocial reports concerning the minors.

The eight students were charged with 16 counts of murder following the fire that broke out at the school on the night of May 27 and into May 28, killing 16 learners. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In her ruling, Justice Kavedza said the decision to keep the minors in custody was based on concerns surrounding their safety, the protection of witnesses and the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing trial.

“Detention is not imposed as punishment, but as a necessary measure to protect the subjects, victims, and witnesses and to preserve the integrity of the trial.”

The judge added that the court had considered the circumstances surrounding the case before rejecting the applications for release.

“Having considered the totality of the evidence in this case, the application for bail is hereby dismissed.”

Court Raises Concerns Over Minors’ Safety

The ruling also placed significant emphasis on the welfare of the accused children. Reports presented to the court raised concerns about bullying, harassment, physical abuse, anxiety and psychological distress among some of the minors while in custody.

The court found that releasing the minors at this stage could expose them to an appreciable risk of harm, particularly given the tensions surrounding the case.

Justice Kavedza consequently directed that the eight minors be transferred to Kamae Girls Borstal Institution within the Kamiti correctional complex, where additional measures will be implemented to safeguard their welfare.

Each minor is to have an individual sleeping space and bed, while authorities have also been directed to provide appropriate security, medical care and continued psychosocial support.

A children’s officer will monitor their safety and welfare, while their parents will be allowed regular contact with them. The court also directed that arrangements be made to support the minors’ education while the case continues.

16 Students Died in Utumishi Girls Fire

The court case stems from the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens of others injured.

The eight minors were subsequently charged with murder and remain presumed innocent unless and until the court determines otherwise. The charges against them relate to allegations surrounding the circumstances that led to the deaths.

The case has attracted significant public attention because of the number of students who died and questions surrounding safety conditions at the school.

Investigations into the incident have also examined the circumstances surrounding the outbreak and evacuation of students from the affected dormitory.

The court’s decision means the eight minors will remain in custody as the murder proceedings continue. The judge’s directions are intended to balance the requirements of the criminal case with the legal protections and welfare rights applicable to children in conflict with the law.

The court has also maintained restrictions protecting the identities of the minors, in line with safeguards applicable to children involved in criminal proceedings.

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Court Denies Bail to 8 Utumishi Girls Fire Suspects