Some of the children charged in connection with the murder of a 16-year-old girl from Utumishi Academy have expressed interest in plea bargaining, the Kibera Law Courts heard during a mention of the case.
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, while another defence lawyer said he had written to the prosecution seeking similar negotiations on behalf of his client.
State Counsel confirmed that the prosecution had received a request concerning Subject 3, adding that preliminary discussions had already taken place. However, the prosecution said further consultations with the child were necessary before the process could proceed.
Another accused child, through his lawyer, also informed the court that a formal request had been sent to the ODPP seeking plea negotiations. The lawyer asked the court to allow enhanced visits to facilitate consultations with the child and his parents as they considered the proposed arrangement.
Other defence lawyers told the court that they were still consulting their clients and the children’s parents before deciding whether to pursue plea bargaining.
Following the submissions, Trial Judge Kavedza allowed discussions between the defence and the prosecution to continue, paving the way for further consultations on the requests made by some of the accused children.
The judge also directed that parents of all the children be allowed two enhanced visits every month. The visits are to be coordinated with the institution where the minors are being held to ensure that the consultations take place under the required arrangements.
The court further ordered that the case be mentioned after every two weeks to monitor progress in the plea bargain discussions and establish whether the parties had reached any agreement.
The next mention was scheduled for November 11, 2026, when the court is expected to receive an update on the ongoing consultations and the position taken by the accused children and their respective defence teams.
The court also received an update on the children’s education, with the children’s officer, Hilda Mbatha, confirming that the minors were continuing to attend classes in line with earlier court directions.
The court heard that the children were expected to sit for examinations the following week. Judge Kavedza directed that their education should continue without interruption as the criminal proceedings and any plea negotiations progress.
Plea bargaining allows an accused person and the prosecution to negotiate an agreement in a criminal case, subject to the applicable legal requirements and the court’s consideration. In this case, the requests remain at the consultation stage, and the court will continue monitoring developments at the next mention.
The case will return to Kibera Law Courts on November 11, 2026.
