- Eight minors charged over the Utumishi Girls dormitory fire have been denied bail.
- Justice Diana Kavedza cited safety, welfare and trial-integrity concerns in dismissing their applications.
- The minors face 16 murder counts arising from the May 28 school tragedy.
The High Court sitting at Kibera has denied bail to eight minors charged in connection with the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 students.
Justice Diana Kavedza dismissed the minors’ bail applications on Monday, September 21, 2026, after considering pre-bail, social inquiry and psychosocial reports, as well as submissions from the prosecution and defence.
The eight minors are facing 16 counts of murder arising from the May 28, 2026, fire at the school in Gilgil, Nakuru County. They pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned in July.
In her ruling, Justice Kavedza said the immediate release of the minors could expose them to an appreciable risk of harm and could affect the safety of vulnerable persons and the integrity of the trial.
The court also considered reports of psychological distress, anxiety, peer conflict, bullying and alleged physical abuse involving some of the minors while in custody.
The judge stressed that the children remain entitled to protection of their welfare, dignity, education and psychological development despite the seriousness of the charges.
The court directed that the minors continue receiving appropriate counselling and psychological support while in custody. Arrangements are also to be made to enable them to continue with their education and prepare for the ongoing court proceedings.
Minors remain in custody
The court ordered that the minors remain in protective custody as the murder case proceeds.
The court’s decision follows the May tragedy in which 16 students died and dozens of others were injured. Preliminary investigations treated the incident as suspected arson.
The minors will remain in custody as the murder case proceeds, with the court maintaining safeguards to protect their identities in line with child-protection requirements.
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The denial of bail does not amount to a finding of guilt. The eight minors remain presumed innocent until the charges against them are determined by the court.
By Jeff Kirui
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