Seven of the eight minors facing murder charges over the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire are engaged in plea bargain negotiations with the prosecution, in a move that could determine the next phase of the case.
The discussions are at different stages, with some proposals already rejected while others await consideration by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The matter came up for directions on Thursday before Kibera High Court Judge Diana Kavedza, who gave the parties until December 15, 2026, to conclude the negotiations and submit any agreements reached.
The prosecution told the court that it was making progress in the discussions but had reservations about some of the proposals presented by the minors.
Among the contested requests was a proposal to have three of the accused minors, identified in court as subjects five, six and eight, become prosecution witnesses. The State said it was unwilling to accept the proposed terms for their inclusion as witnesses.
Other minors have expressed interest in admitting the charges, with the prosecution indicating that consultations were ongoing before a final position could be communicated. One of the proposals was awaiting feedback from the ODPP, while another request to plead guilty was still subject to approval by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The State maintained its opposition to plea negotiations involving subject one, insisting that the minor should remain part of the ongoing proceedings.
Judge Kavedza urged both sides to accelerate the process, noting the importance of avoiding lengthy court proceedings involving children.
The judge also sought clarification on whether the accused minors were receiving regular visits from their parents and legal representatives, raising concern about their access to family support while in custody. The prosecution said it had not received reports of the minors being denied access to their parents.
The court declined to prescribe specific visiting dates, citing security considerations and the need to safeguard the children's identities and welfare. It directed instead that arrangements be made to facilitate visits without rigid scheduling.
The eight minors are accused of involvement in the May 28, 2026, dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left 79 others injured.
The December 15 mention will give the court an opportunity to assess the progress of the negotiations and establish whether the parties have reached written agreements. The outcome could shape how the murder case against the minors proceeds, although any plea agreement will remain subject to the applicable legal process.
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