Two of the eight children charged with the murder of 16 students in the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire have formally asked the Director of Public Prosecutions to negotiate plea bargains, opening a new path in one of the most painful criminal cases of the year.

High Court Judge Diana Kavedza, sitting at the Kibera Law Courts, on Monday allowed the plea bargaining talks to go ahead and directed that the matter be mentioned every two weeks so the court can track how the negotiations are progressing.

The fire broke out at the school in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on the night of May 27-28, 2026, killing 16 learners and injuring 79 others. Eight minors were later charged with 16 counts of murder. They pleaded not guilty in July and were denied bail.

Who has applied

Lawyer Odiero Osiemo, who represents the child identified in court as Subject 3, told the court he had submitted a request to the ODPP. State Counsel Linda Ndambiri confirmed the prosecution had formally received it and said preliminary engagement had taken place with the lawyer and the child's parents, though the family needed more time to consult the minor.

Lawyer PK Nganga, for Subject 7, said he had written to the ODPP seeking a plea deal after consulting the child's parents. The prosecution said it had not yet received that letter. Lawyers for the remaining six minors said they were still awaiting instructions, with some asking the court to fix hearing dates to speed up the trial because the accused are children.

Any deal is expected to involve consultations with the victims' families, the school and the police. A plea bargain is an agreement in which an accused person may admit to an agreed charge in exchange for a concession from the prosecution. Making a request is not an admission of guilt, and any agreement must be approved by the court.

Court orders

  • Plea bargain negotiations allowed to proceed
  • Parents of all eight minors granted two enhanced visits a month
  • The children's education to continue without interruption
  • Mentions every two weeks; next mention on November 11, 2026

Justice Kavedza declined to set a hearing date, saying her diary was full for the rest of the year, and urged the parties to move quickly so the court can decide whether the case will go to full trial.

Learning behind bars

Children's officer Hilda Mbatha told the court the minors, held at Kamae Borstal Institution, were attending classes and were due to sit examinations the following week. The court also asked her to provide details supporting one minor's request for monthly dental appointments.

The identities of the accused are protected by law because they are children.

Photo: The Standard/Kipsang Joseph. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.