- Eight students from Utumishi Girls Senior School have denied 16 murder charges arising from the May 28 dormitory fire.
- The prosecution opposed their release on bail, citing security concerns and the integrity of the trial.
- The High Court is expected to rule on the students’ bail application.
Eight students from Utumishi Girls Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, have pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of murder linked to a dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students and injured 79 others on May 28, 2026.
The minors appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Kibera High Court on Wednesday, where they took plea on charges of murder contrary to Section 203 as read together with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
In line with child protection laws, the identities of the accused were concealed during the proceedings, with children’s officers shielding them from public exposure.
The court had earlier directed that their identities remain protected throughout the trial.
ODPP opposes bail
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) told the court that investigations into the fire resulted in the approval of 16 murder charges against the students.
The case has attracted widespread public attention because of the scale of the tragedy and its impact on families and survivors.
Following the plea, defence lawyers urged the court to release the accused on reasonable bail terms, arguing that they are not a flight risk and have fixed places of residence.
The defence further submitted that the students’ parents were willing to ensure their attendance in court whenever required.
However, the prosecution strongly opposed the application.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichuhi told the court that intelligence reports indicated the students could face hostility, harassment, stigmatisation or even mob justice if released at this stage because of heightened public emotions surrounding the case.
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The prosecution also argued that releasing the accused could compromise the integrity of the trial.
Justice Kavedza is expected to rule on the bail application as the murder trial proceeds.
The case continues to draw national attention as investigations into one of the country’s deadliest school fires move into the judicial phase.
By Jeff Kirui
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