A Nairobi court has ordered eight minors charged in connection with the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy to undergo mental assessment by a child psychiatrist before the hearing of their murder case.
The eight suspects appeared virtually before Deputy Registrar Barbara Akinyi at the Kibera High Court during the first mention of the case.
The prosecution, led by Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Vincent Monda, made several applications aimed at ensuring the case proceeds within the timelines provided under the Children’s Act.
Among the orders sought were the appointment of pro bono advocates for each of the minors, mental assessment at Mathare Mental Hospital, evaluation by Children’s Officers, the opening of protection and care files, and the continued remand of the suspects at Kabete Children’s Home pending further court directions.
The court granted the applications and directed that the minors be escorted to Mathare Mental Hospital on Monday, June 29, 2026, for mental assessment by a child psychiatrist. The resulting reports are to be filed before the next court appearance.
Deputy Registrar Akinyi further ordered that protection and care files be opened for each of the eight minors, with the relevant reports to be submitted within 30 days.
In addition, the court directed Children’s Officers at Kabete Children’s Home to carry out social inquiry and welfare assessments of all the suspects immediately, or complete the exercise over the weekend if necessary, before filing the reports ahead of the next mention.
The minors will remain in custody at Kabete Children’s Home as investigations and court proceedings continue.
The court also ordered the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to supply all prosecution documents to the defence before the next court appearance to facilitate a fair hearing.
Further directions require that children’s officers, guardians, and parents be present during the next mention of the case. The court also directed that each of the minors be represented by legal counsel and be produced physically in court.
The matter is scheduled for mention on July 1, 2026, before Justice Diana Kavedza for further directions.
