Some of the children facing charges in connection with the murder of 16 girls at Utumishi Girls Academy have expressed interest in plea bargaining, the Kibera Law Courts heard during a mention on Monday. The court was informed that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had received a formal plea bargain request from one of the accused children, identified as Subject 3. The prosecution confirmed that preliminary discussions had taken place but noted that further consultations with the child were necessary before the process could proceed.
Another accused minor, through her lawyer, also informed the court that the defence had written to the ODPP seeking plea negotiations. Her lawyer requested additional visits to facilitate consultations with the student and her parents. According to reports, the negotiations are expected to involve the victims’ families, the school and the police as the prosecution considers the requests.
Plea bargaining is a legal process through which an accused person and the prosecution negotiate an agreement, often involving a guilty plea in exchange for certain concessions. Any agreement remains subject to the applicable law and the court’s approval. Other defence lawyers told the court that they were still consulting their clients and their parents before deciding whether to pursue similar arrangements.
Court Allows Plea Bargain Discussions
Trial Judge Kavedza allowed the discussions to proceed and issued directions to facilitate communication between the accused children and their families. The court ordered that the parents of all the minors be granted two enhanced visits per month, with arrangements to be coordinated with the institution where the children are being held. The judge further directed that the case be mentioned every two weeks to monitor developments in the plea bargaining process. The next court mention is scheduled for November 11, 2026.
Accused Children to Continue With Education
The court also received an update on the education of the accused children, with proceedings revealing that they were continuing to attend classes and were expected to sit for examinations the following week. Children’s Officer Hilda Mbatha confirmed that the minors were attending lessons in accordance with previous court directions.
Judge Kavedza directed that their education should continue without interruption as the criminal proceedings and plea bargaining consultations progress. The case will return to court on November 11, 2026, when further updates on the negotiations are expected.
