Utumishi murder case shifts as accused children weigh plea bargains

Two of the eight minors charged over the Gilgil school fire that killed 16 students are in talks with prosecutors

By Yvonne Wambui

The murder case arising from the Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy has taken a significant turn, with two of the eight accused children now in plea bargain negotiations with the prosecution — a development that could reshape the proceedings entirely.

Kibera Law Courts on Monday allowed the negotiations to proceed after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed receipt of a formal plea bargain request involving one accused child, identified in court as Subject 3. State counsel told the court that preliminary discussions had already taken place but further consultations were required before negotiations could advance.

A second defence lawyer confirmed a similar request had been submitted to the ODPP on behalf of another accused child, seeking enhanced visits to facilitate consultations between the child, legal team and parents. Remaining defence lawyers said they were still consulting their clients before deciding whether to pursue comparable agreements.

Trial Judge Diana Kavedza allowed discussions to continue and directed that parents of all accused children receive two enhanced visits per month, coordinated with the institution holding the minors. The court ordered fortnightly mentions to monitor progress, with the next date set for November 11.

The court also heard that the accused children were continuing their education and were expected to sit examinations the following week. Children’s officer Hilda Mbatha confirmed attendance was in line with earlier court directions, and Kavedza ordered that schooling continue uninterrupted.

The case stems from a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, in which 16 students died. Whether plea agreements materialise will determine how — and how quickly — justice is delivered.

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