Utumishi Girls fire: Seven of 8 subject minors in plea bargain talks as court sets December deadline

Eight subject minors and students from Utumishi Girls Academy who are facing 16 counts of murder following a devastating dormitory fire on May 28, 2026, that killed 16 students and injured 79 others at Kibera High Court before Justice Diana Kavedza/LEAH MUKANGAISeven of the eight subject minors charged over the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire are negotiating possible plea agreements with the prosecution as the High Court moves to fast-track the case.

The discussions could determine how the case against the minors is resolved, with the prosecution telling the court that the negotiations are at different stages.

The matter came up for directions on Thursday before Kibera High Court Judge Diana Kavedza, who directed the parties to expedite the process and present written plea agreements by December 15, 2026.

“We give you one month to see how far we have gone,” the judge said.

The prosecution told the court that some proposals submitted by the minors had been rejected, while others were still under consideration.

“We are on the verge of completing plea bargaining talks,” the State told the court.

However, the prosecution said it was not agreeable to some of the requests, including a proposal to have three minors, identified in court as subjects 5, 6 and 8, turned into prosecution witnesses.

The State said the terms proposed for their conversion into witnesses were unacceptable.

Other minors had expressed interest in pleading guilty, with the prosecution saying discussions on their requests were ongoing.

One proposal was awaiting a response from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), while another request for a guilty plea was still being considered pending approval from the DPP.

The prosecution maintained that it was opposed to plea negotiations involving subject one, insisting that the minor should remain in the proceedings as an alleged child offender.

It said it would respond to proposals from the other minors and establish whether agreements could be reached.

Justice Kavedza urged the parties to conclude the negotiations without unnecessary delays, noting the need to avoid prolonged court proceedings involving children.

The judge also raised concerns about access to the minors by their parents and lawyers, asking whether they were being visited twice a month.

The prosecution told the court it had not received any information indicating that the children had been denied access to their parents.

However, the judge declined to set specific visitation dates, citing security concerns and the need to protect the identities and welfare of the minors.

She directed that visits be facilitated flexibly, without rigid scheduling, while ensuring the children’s safety.

The eight minors are facing murder charges linked to the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, which claimed the lives of 16 students.

The case will be mentioned on December 15, 2026, when the court expects an update on the negotiations and any written plea agreements reached.