Utumishi Girls Murder Case: Eight Minors Remanded Until September as Court Defers Bail

BY DAPHINE JUMA

Eight students from Utumishi Girls Academy will stay in custody for at least two more months after the High Court postponed its decision on their bail application to September 22nd.The minors appeared before High Court Judge Diana Kavedza at Kibera Law Courts, where they pleaded not guilty to all charges. They are facing 16 counts of murder following the deaths of fellow learners at the academy in Gilgil Sub-County. Each charge was read out individually to the suspects in the presence of their defense lawyers.To safeguard the children, the court has issued strict orders protecting their identities.

All eight are aged between 16 and 17 and are only being identified by pseudonyms in court records and proceedings, in line with legal rules that shield minors from public exposure. Justice Kavedza said the delay is needed to allow probation officers to carry out thorough background investigations and prepare detailed pre-bail reports. She told the families and defense counsel to be patient, noting that cases involving multiple victims and several accused persons take time.

Probation officials will have to visit each suspect’s home and conduct interviews before filing their assessments. The prosecution opposed bail, arguing that releasing the students now could interfere with the case. State lawyers told the court that the seriousness of the charges calls for caution. They also highlighted the pain suffered by the families of the 16 victims and said emotions remain raw. Keeping the suspects in custody, they argued, protects both the accused and the wider school community. Prosecutors further warned of possible witness interference if the minors are freed. They told the court that key witnesses know the suspects personally because they attend the same school, which could put them at risk before trial. Until the bail hearing in September, the eight will be held at Kabete Juvenile Remand Home.

The facility is mandated to keep underage suspects securely while upholding their rights as children. The court also ordered their parents to provide for counseling and other welfare needs during the remand period. Pre-trial processes will continue in the meantime.