Eight Utumishi Girls Academy students deny 16 murder charges in fatal school fire
The eight students appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Kibera High Court on Wednesday, where each pleaded not guilty to the charges arising from.
The eight students appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Kibera High Court on Wednesday, where each pleaded not guilty to the charges arising from the tragedy. (Zainab Said)
Eight minors accused of the fatal fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that claimed the lives of 16 students have denied 16 counts of murder before the High Court in Nairobi, setting the stage for a closely watched trial that will be conducted under strict child protection safeguards.
In recognition of their status as children, the court ordered that the accused remain anonymous throughout the proceedings. The minors appeared with their faces covered, and the judge directed that they be referred to only as "subject minors."
"The subject minors are charged with murder," Justice Kavedza told the court.
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The judge further ordered the creation of a confidential court register containing the identities of the accused, directing that it be accessible only to parties involved in the proceedings.
Justice Kavedza also imposed strict reporting restrictions, warning the media against publishing or broadcasting any information that could directly or indirectly reveal the identities of the minors.
"No report, publication, or broadcast shall directly or indirectly identify any subject minor," the judge ruled.
While allowing accredited journalists to cover the proceedings, the court emphasised that the constitutional rights and welfare of the children must remain protected throughout the trial.
The judge also cautioned against public commentary that could prejudice the case, urging all parties to allow the judicial process to run its course without interference.
The charges stem from investigations into the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, in which 16 students lost their lives. Following the completion of investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions approved 16 murder counts against the eight minors.
Because the accused are children, the proceedings will be conducted under legal provisions governing child offenders, with the court balancing the seriousness of the allegations against the need to uphold the rights and best interests of the minors.
The case is expected to proceed before the High Court under the strict confidentiality orders issued by Justice Kavedza, as prosecutors seek to prove the murder charges while the defence prepares to challenge the evidence.
The prosecution has opposed their release on bail, while the defence lawyers want the court to release them on favourable bail terms.
The court is yet to rule on the DPP's application.