Two minors charged over the deaths of 16 students at Utumishi Girls Academy have sought plea-bargaining talks with prosecutors. The requests were presented before the Kibera High Court as the case linked to the fatal school fire continued.

The court was told that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had received a formal request concerning one child. A lawyer for another accused child said a similar request had been submitted.

No plea agreement has been reached. The requests remain subject to further consultations between the children, their lawyers, their parents and the prosecution.

Plea Talks Begin

The requests were raised during a court mention on Monday, October 26. State Counsel Linda Ndambiri confirmed that the prosecution had received an application concerning Subject Minor 3.

Preliminary discussions had taken place. However, more time was needed for the child and family to consider the proposed negotiations.

A second defence lawyer also informed the court that a request had been sent to the ODPP. The prosecution said it had not yet formally received that application.

Other defence lawyers said they were still consulting the children and their parents. They had not yet decided whether to pursue similar negotiations.

What Plea Bargaining Means

Plea bargaining allows the prosecution and an accused person to negotiate a possible resolution of a criminal case. Any agreement must comply with the law and receive the required court approval.

A request for negotiations is not an admission of guilt. Nor does it guarantee that an agreement will be reached.

The eight minors face 16 murder counts linked to a dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County. The fire occurred on the night of May 27–28, 2026, killing 16 students and injuring 79 others.

The accused children pleaded not guilty when they were charged in July. They remain in custody after bail was denied.

Court Allows More Family Visits

Justice Diana Kavedza allowed plea-bargaining discussions to proceed. She also ordered that the parents of all eight minors be allowed two enhanced visits each month.

The visits are to be arranged with the institution where the children are being held. They are intended to support consultations between the children, their families and their lawyers.

The court also directed that the case be mentioned every two weeks to monitor progress. The next mention was set for November 11, 2026.

Education Must Continue

The court was also updated on the children's education. Children's officer Hilda Mbatha confirmed that the minors were attending classes while in custody.

They were expected to sit their examinations the following week. Justice Kavedza directed that their studies continue without interruption.

The court will receive a further update on November 11. It remains to be seen whether the plea-bargaining requests will progress or whether the case will proceed to trial.

For the families of the 16 students who died, the proceedings remain part of a long search for answers. Any negotiated outcome will still have to follow the law and the court's oversight.