High Court to Rule on Bail for Eight Utumishi Girls Fire Suspects
By Daizy Phanice
The High Court is set to determine whether eight subject minors facing murder charges over the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire will be released on bail.
The eight students are facing 16 counts of murder following the May 28, 2026 fire at the school in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left 79 others injured.
The minors pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before High Court Judge Diana Kavedza at the Kibera Law Courts on July 1.
The prosecution has opposed their release, arguing that investigations had linked the minors to the alleged planning and execution of the incident. It also raised concerns over possible interference with witnesses and the safety of the minors amid heightened public interest in the case.
The defence, however, has sought bail, arguing that the minors are entitled to their legal protections and that appropriate conditions could be imposed by the court.
Justice Kavedza directed probation officers to prepare comprehensive pre-bail reports after interviewing the families of the deceased students, school administration, investigating officers and the eight subject minors.
The court also ordered that the identities of the minors remain protected and directed that they be referred to as โsubject minorsโ throughout the proceedings. The judge further ordered counselling for the students and restrictions on their access to phones, television and social media while in custody.
The eight minors remain at Kabete Childrenโs Remand Home as the court considers the bail application.
The matter is scheduled to come before the High Court on September 22, when the court is expected to consider the pre-bail reports and issue further directions on the application.
