Utumishi Girls Murder Case Takes New Turn as Two Minors Seek Plea Bargains

Two of the eight children charged over the deaths of 16 students in the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire have sought plea-bargaining talks with prosecutors, opening a possible new path in a case that has left families mourning and raised questions about school safety.

The requests were disclosed at the Kibera High Court on Monday, 26 October, where the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed it had formally received an application from one of the accused children. A second defence lawyer told the court that a similar request had been submitted on behalf of another client.

State Counsel Linda Ndambiri confirmed that the prosecution had received the request concerning the child identified in court as Subject 3. She said preliminary discussions had taken place, but further consultations with the child were still needed.

The developments do not mean either child has pleaded guilty. No agreement has been announced, and the requests remain at the negotiation stage.

The court allowed the discussions to continue as lawyers consult their clients and parents on whether to pursue the process.

Parents granted more access to children

Presiding Judge Diana Kavedza directed that the parents of all eight accused children be allowed two enhanced visits each month at the institution where the minors are being held.

The visits are to be arranged in coordination with the institution, giving the children and their families more opportunity to consult as the plea-bargaining requests are considered.

Other defence lawyers told the court they were still discussing the possibility of negotiations with their clients and the children’s parents.

The judge directed that the case be mentioned every two weeks to monitor progress. The next mention is scheduled for 11 November 2026. What plea bargaining means for the case

Plea bargaining is a recognised part of Kenya’s criminal justice system. It allows the prosecution and an accused person to negotiate a possible resolution, which may involve changes to charges or other terms permitted by law.

The process is governed by the Criminal Procedure Code and relevant plea-bargaining rules. The prosecution must consider the circumstances of the offence, consult the investigating officer and, where practicable, give victims or their representatives an opportunity to make representations. Any agreement must also go through the required legal process and receive the court’s acceptance. <Cite refs={["turn372806search0","turn372806search3"]}/>

That makes the interests of the families who lost their children an important part of the process. The requests now before the ODPP do not establish what terms, if any, might be proposed, or whether negotiations will result in an agreement.

The case will therefore remain before the court while the parties consider their options. If no agreement is reached, the criminal proceedings may continue through the ordinary trial process.

The tragedy behind the charges

The case stems from a fire that broke out at a dormitory at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, in late May 2026. Sixteen students died and 79 others were injured, according to Reuters’ report on the case.

Eight students were subsequently charged with 16 counts of murder. They pleaded not guilty when they appeared before the High Court in July.

In September, the court declined to release the eight on bail, ruling that their immediate release could expose them and other vulnerable people to risks. They have remained in custody as the case proceeds.

The charges are allegations that must be determined through the legal process. The plea-bargaining requests do not change the presumption of innocence that applies to the accused children unless and until the case is resolved in accordance with the law.

Court orders schooling to continue

Alongside the legal discussions, the court heard that the children were continuing with their education while in custody and were expected to sit their examinations the following week.

Children’s officer Hilda Mbatha confirmed that they were attending classes in line with earlier court directions. Judge Kavedza ordered that their studies should continue without interruption.

The direction places education alongside family contact and the criminal proceedings as matters requiring attention while the children remain in custody.

The next mention on 11 November is expected to provide an update on the negotiations and the position taken by the respective defence teams.

For the families of the 16 students who died, the case remains a search for answers after a devastating loss. Whether the latest requests lead to agreements or the case proceeds to trial, the court will have to ensure that the rights of the accused children and the interests of the victims’ families are considered within the law.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.