Court Hears Not Guilty Pleas In Utumishi Girls Fire Tragedy
News Updated: 01 July 2026 17:35 EAT
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Eight students from Utumishi Girls Academy have pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of murder arising from the deadly dormitory fire that claimed the lives of 16 fellow students at the school in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on May 28. The pleas were taken before the High Court in Kibera on Wednesday.
The eight accused, who are all minors, appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza and denied every count preferred against them by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The court directed that the proceedings continue under strict child protection safeguards as required by Kenyan law.
Justice Kavedza ordered that the identities of the eight students remain confidential and prohibited the publication of any information that could reveal who they are. The court directed that they be referred to only as "subject minors" throughout the proceedings.
The prosecution told the court that the charges relate to the fatal fire that engulfed a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy on the night of May 28. The tragedy left 16 students dead and 79 others injured, making it one of Kenya's deadliest school fire incidents in recent years.
The Director of Public Prosecutions approved 16 murder charges against the eight students following investigations conducted by law enforcement agencies. Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed the evidence supporting the charges, indicating that it will be presented during the trial.
The prosecution opposed the release of the accused on bail or bond, arguing that the court should retain them in custody as the case proceeds. Defence lawyers, however, urged the court to consider granting the minors bail in accordance with the law.
Justice Kavedza directed that the question of bail be determined after considering submissions from both the prosecution and the defence. A ruling on the application is expected during subsequent court proceedings.
The court further barred photography, video recording, audio recording and live broadcasting of the proceedings without prior judicial approval. Accredited journalists were, however, allowed to report on the case provided they do not disclose the identities of the minors.
The Utumishi Girls Academy fire prompted nationwide concern over safety standards in boarding schools. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Ministry of Education initiated safety inspections and temporarily closed more than 200 senior schools to facilitate compliance checks.
The case will now proceed to the hearing stage before the High Court. Under Kenyan law, the eight students remain presumed innocent until proven guilty, with the prosecution expected to present its evidence as the trial continues.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD