Eight minors charged in connection with the deaths of 16 students in the Utumishi Girls Academy fire appear in court on Monday, September 21, 2026. The Kibera High Court denied them bail and ordered that they remain at Kamae Borstal Institution pending the hearing and determination of the case. 
By Fredrick Kioko,
The Kibera High Court has denied bail to eight minors charged with the murder of 16 students who died in a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
Justice Diana Kavedza upheld the prosecution’s objection to the minors’ release on bond, ruling that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had demonstrated compelling reasons for their continued detention.
The eight minors face 16 counts of murder arising from the fire that occurred on the night of May 27 and 28, 2026. The prosecution alleges that the accused acted jointly in causing the deaths.
The DPP opposed their release, arguing that continued detention was necessary to protect the integrity of the trial and ensure the proper administration of justice. The prosecution also told the court that releasing the minors could expose them to potential harm.
Justice Kavedza subsequently ordered that the eight minors remain in custody at Kamae Borstal Institution pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The court further directed that each minor be held in an individual cubicle equipped with a bed.
The prosecution team comprises Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, Senior Assistant Directors of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichuhi and Maryanne Mwangi, alongside Linda Ndambiri, Paul Ochieng and Peris Maina.
