The High Court in Kibera has allowed the parents of eight Utumishi Girls Academy students charged with murder to visit their children twice a month, as talks on a possible plea bargain continue.
In a ruling on Monday, October 26, 2026, Justice Diana Kavedza directed that the additional visits be arranged through Kamae Borstal Institution, where the minors are being held after the court declined to grant them bail.
The eight are accused of involvement in the deaths of 16 fellow learners in a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, in May 2026. They have denied the murder charges.
The ruling responds to requests by defence lawyers for more opportunities for the students to consult their parents and legal representatives while the parties consider possible resolutions to the case. It does not change the students' detention status or determine the outcome of the case.
The court heard that lawyers for some of the minors had approached the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to begin plea-bargaining negotiations.
One request has been formally received by the prosecution. Another lawyer told the court that a separate application had been submitted on behalf of a different student, but the prosecution said it had not yet received formal communication on that request.
Lawyers for the remaining students said they were still consulting their clients and their families before deciding whether to pursue similar negotiations.
Justice Kavedza urged those pursuing plea bargains to move quickly, saying the court needed an update on whether the discussions would proceed or whether the case would go to trial.
Plea bargaining allows the prosecution and an accused person to explore a negotiated resolution of a criminal case. Any agreement remains subject to the legal requirements and the court's approval.
The judge also sought clarification on the students' education while in custody. A children's officer told the court that the eight minors were continuing with their studies and were expected to sit their end-of-term examinations the following week.
Justice Kavedza directed that their education should continue as the case progresses.
The case will be mentioned on November 11, 2026, when the court is expected to receive an update on the plea-bargaining talks. The prosecution and defence will be expected to say whether negotiations are advancing and whether the matter will proceed to trial.
The students remain accused of involvement in the deaths of 16 learners in the May 2026 fire. They have denied the charges, and their guilt or innocence has yet to be determined by the court.
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