The High Court has allowed parents of eight minors charged with murder over the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire to visit their children twice a month at Kamae Borstal Institution, as discussions on a possible plea bargain continue for two of the accused.
Justice Diana Kavedza issued the directions at the Kibera High Court on Monday, also ordering that the minors’ studies continue ahead of their second-term examinations scheduled for next week.
The court set November 11 for an update on the plea-bargain discussions, while lawyers representing the other six accused said they were still consulting their clients and parents on the way forward.
The developments come as the court proceedings over the deadly fire continue, with the eight minors facing 16 counts of murder in connection with the deaths of 16 students at the school in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The fire broke out on the night of May 27 and 28, 2026, leaving 16 students dead and 79 others injured.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges in July and remain in custody after the court denied them bail.
Court directs continuation of studies
In allowing parental visits twice a month, the court addressed the minors’ contact with their families while they remain at Kamae Borstal Institution as the criminal case proceeds.
Justice Kavedza also directed that their education should continue, with the second-term examinations due to begin next week.
The order places the minors’ schooling among the immediate considerations as the court awaits further developments in the case.
The November 11 mention will provide an opportunity for the parties to update the court on the progress of the plea-bargain discussions involving two of the accused.
A plea bargain is a formal process through which an accused person and the prosecution may negotiate a resolution of criminal charges, subject to applicable legal requirements and the court’s role in approving the agreement.
The fact that discussions are ongoing does not mean a plea agreement has been reached or that the court has made a finding of guilt against any of the minors.
Six accused yet to decide on plea-bargain talks
While discussions are reportedly underway for two of the accused, lawyers representing the remaining six told the court they were still consulting their clients and parents.
The consultations leave the position of the six accused unresolved as the case moves towards its next court date.
The November 11 update is expected to clarify whether the discussions involving the two minors have progressed and whether the other accused have reached decisions on their respective positions.
Until then, the eight minors remain in custody and the murder charges against them remain before the court.
Utumishi Girls dormitory fire case
The case stems from the fatal dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed 16 students’ lives and left 79 others injured.
The incident prompted criminal proceedings against the eight minors, who were charged with 16 counts of murder.
They denied the charges when they appeared in court in July. Bail was subsequently denied, leaving them in custody as the case proceeds.
The latest court directions provide for twice-monthly parental visits and continued schooling while the parties pursue consultations and possible plea-bargain discussions.
The court is scheduled to receive a further update on November 11.
No outcome of the ongoing plea-bargain discussions has been confirmed, and the accused remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proved guilty in accordance with the law.
