8 Utumishi girls deny murdering 16 fellow students
By Zipporah Ngwatu, July 1, 2026Eight Utumishi Girls students have denied killing their 16 fellow students who died after a fire tragedy at one of the school dormitories on May 28, 2026.
Appearing before Kibera High Court Judge Diana Kavedza on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the eight have pleaded not guilty to the murder charges lodged against them.
The eight have pleaded not guilty to murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, Cap. 63 Laws of Kenya, and a plea of not guilty was entered for each.
Meanwhile, the defence team urged the court to release the accused persons on a reasonable bail pending the hearing and determination of the case.
They informed the court that the accused persons are not a flight risk and all have fixed places of abode, and their parents will ensure that they attend the court proceedings.
However, the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) through Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichui has vehemently opposed the accused persons being released on bail.
According to the prosecution, releasing the accused persons at this stage would expose them to the danger of harassment, stigmatisation, mob justice, and other forms of danger.
“My lady, releasing the accused persons at this stage will put them at a significant risk of retaliation, harassment, stigmatisation, mob justice and other forms of harm due to the heightened public interest surrounding the case,” the prosecution submitted.
Further, the court heard that it will be prudent to continue detaining the accused persons so as to preserve the integrity of the trial and ensure proper administration of justice to both the victims and the accused persons.
The eight have been charged at a Nairobi High Court after the DPP asked the court for orders to transfer them from Naivasha, citing that they faced security risks owing to public hostility.
The court heard that the intelligence report states the said students might face hostility from the locals arising from the death of their fellow students.