High Court Blocks Media From Covering Utumishi Girls Murder Case Trial

‘Do Policemen Only Give Birth to Boys?' Question That Led to Formation of Utumishi Girls

The High Court in Kibera has barred the media from covering the murder case involving eight students of Utumishi Girls Academy, accused of killing 16 fellow students in a dormitory fire that occurred on May 28, 2026.

The order was issued on Friday during a virtual hearing, with the court citing the sensitive nature of the case.

According to reports, the eight suspects followed the proceedings from police custody and were not presented in open court.

High Court Hears Mental Health Assessment Arguments on Suspects

During the hearing, the court also heard submissions from lawyers on whether the eight students should undergo mental health assessments before the case proceeds.

Also Read: Court Issues Fresh Directives on 9 Detained Utumishi Girls Fire Suspects

The outcome of the application is expected to determine the next steps in the murder trial.

Meanwhile, the suspects remain in custody at the Kabete Juvenile Remand Home.

This development comes after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, approved 16 counts of murder against the nine students implicated in the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy fire in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

Each of the suspects is expected to face 16 murder charges, one count for each of the 16 students who lost their lives in the tragic fire that occurred on May 28, 2026.

The DPP approved the charges on June 23, 2026, after reviewing the investigation files submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). According to investigators, there is sufficient evidence to support the charges.

Investigations, including the review of CCTV footage, allegedly show that the students started the fire by setting mattresses ablaze at different points inside the dormitory using matchsticks and paraffin.

One Utumishi Girls Student Released

Earlier, the court ordered the release of one of the nine suspects after the investigation showed she was not involved in the crime.

Also Read: DPP Approves Murder Charges Against Nine Suspects Over Utumishi Girls Academy Fire

State Counsel Emma Bosire told the court that following investigations, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had withdrawn charges against one of the students due to insufficient evidence and was now ready to charge the remaining eight suspects with 16 counts of murder.

In his ruling, Naivasha Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramathan directed that the ninth accused be handed over to her parents.