Eight suspended Utumishi Girls students facing murder charges will remain in custody after the High Court rejected their bail application, with Justice Diana Kavedza saying their release at this stage could put them at risk and affect the integrity of the ongoing proceedings.
Highlights
- Eight minors were denied bail in a murder case.
- They face 16 counts of murder linked to an incident at Utumishi Girls.
- The students will be held at Kamae Girls Borstal Institution.
- The court ordered separate sleeping spaces, medical care and access to reading materials.
- Their identities have been protected from publication because they are minors.
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Court Rejects Bail Application
The High Court has declined to release eight suspended Utumishi Girls students who are facing murder charges, ruling that keeping them in custody is necessary as the case moves forward.
Justice Diana Kavedza said the circumstances surrounding the matter raised concerns about the safety of the minors and the proper administration of justice.
The judge determined that releasing the students at this point could expose them to harm and potentially interfere with the judicial process.
Students Face 16 Murder Charges
The eight minors were charged with a combined 16 counts of murder following an incident that resulted in their arrest and subsequent suspension from Utumishi Girls.
They had asked the court to grant them bail while awaiting the hearing and determination of their case.
However, the court rejected the application after considering the circumstances surrounding the case and the need to protect the integrity of the proceedings.
Where the Students Will Be Held
The students will be accommodated at Kamae Girls Borstal Institution, situated within the Kamiti Maximum Prison complex along Kamiti Road in the Kahawa/Githurai area of Nairobi.
Justice Kavedza also issued detailed instructions on how the minors should be treated during their stay.
Each student is to have an individual bed and separate cubicle, ensuring they have their own sleeping space.
They are also to be provided with reading materials and access to medical services whenever required.
Children’s Officer to Monitor Welfare
The court has directed a children’s officer to keep track of the students’ safety and welfare throughout their time at the institution.
Their parents will also be permitted to visit or communicate with them once every month, according to the conditions issued by the court.
The arrangements are intended to ensure the minors remain protected while also allowing the criminal proceedings to continue.
Identities Protected
The court further prohibited the publication of the identities of the eight students in line with legal protections afforded to children involved in criminal proceedings.
The restriction means details that could reveal their identities should not be published as the case progresses.
The students will therefore remain in custody as the court process continues, with their welfare and the integrity of the proceedings forming key considerations in the judge’s decision.
As the case moves forward, the court’s focus remains on balancing the rights and safety of the minors with the need for a fair and credible judicial process.
