Why Court Denied Bail to 8 Minors in Utumishi Girls Fire Case

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured a ruling allowing eight minors accused of murdering 16 students at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, to remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of their case.

In a statement on Monday, September 21, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the minors had sought to be released on bond, but the prosecution opposed their application, arguing that their continued detention was necessary to preserve the integrity of the trial and ensure the proper administration of justice.

The Kibera High Court considered the prosecution’s objections and found that there were compelling reasons to keep the eight minors in custody pending the conclusion of the case.

"The Kibera High Court today upheld the prosecution’s objection to the release of the eight minors on bond, finding that the DPP had established compelling reasons to warrant their continued detention pending the hearing and determination of the case," the statement read.

Justice Diana Kavedza ruled that the charges against the minors were serious, with each facing 16 counts of murder arising from the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy.

The court also considered the potential risks associated with releasing the minors, with the prosecution maintaining that their continued detention was necessary as the case proceeds.

"Justice Diana Kavedza ruled that the minors are facing 16 counts of murder arising from the tragic fire at the school and that their release would expose them to potential harm," the statement added.

The DPP had argued that keeping them in detention would help protect the integrity of the proceedings and facilitate the administration of justice.

After considering the prosecution's submissions and the circumstances surrounding the case, the court issued directions on where and how the minors would be held while awaiting trial.

"After considering the prosecution’s submissions and the circumstances of the case, Justice Kavedza directed that the eight minors be remanded at Kamae Borstal Institution pending the hearing and determination of the matter," the statement concluded.

The case stems from the fire tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, in which 16 students lost their lives.

Elsewhere, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has appealed to the public to help trace Albert Komen Kipkechem, a suspect linked to a series of fraud incidents in which a payment service provider, a local bank and a SACCO reportedly lost more than Ksh52 million.

In a statement on Monday, the DCI said the suspect is wanted after failing to attend subsequent court proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts, leading to the issuance of warrants for his arrest.

"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is seeking the whereabouts of Albert Komen Kipkechem, who is wanted pursuant to warrants of arrest issued by the Milimani Law Courts," the statement 8.

Komen was previously arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts over alleged cyber-related offences. 

The charges were filed on March 3 and March 12, 2026, following investigations into the financial losses reported by the affected institutions.

Komen was charged with Access with Intent to Commit a Further Offence, contrary to Section 15(1), and Computer Fraud, contrary to Section 26(1)(b) as read with Section 2(a) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.

"He was subsequently granted cash bail of Ksh1.5 million and Ksh500,000, respectively. However, he failed to attend subsequent court sessions, resulting in the issuance of warrants of arrest against him," the statement added.