Eight minors from Utumishi Girls Academy have pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of murder over a dormitory fire that killed 16 students and injured 79 others.
The students appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza at the High Court in Kibera on Tuesday, where they entered their pleas over the fire on 28 May 2026.
Prosecutors told the court that investigations led the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to approve 16 murder charges against the eight students.
The fire claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens more injured, prompting renewed scrutiny of school safety and accountability.
The court maintained strict measures to protect the identities of the accused because they are minors.
Children’s officers stood around the dock during the hearing to shield them from public view, in line with child protection laws.
The plea hearing followed an earlier court order requiring the students to undergo mental assessments to determine whether they were fit to stand trial.
After the pleas were entered, defence lawyers asked the court to grant the students bail, arguing that the offence is bailable and that the accused are entitled to the constitutional protections afforded to children in conflict with the law.
The prosecution opposed the application, urging the court to consider the continuing impact of the fire on survivors and the families of those who died.
“The victims are still undergoing psychological support,” the prosecution told the court.
“We’ve taken the plea, but we must not forget that 16 families have lost their loved ones, and we still have other children suffering physical injuries and emotional injuries.”
The court is expected to rule on the bail application at a later date.
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