Some of the children charged in connection with the murder of a 16-year-old Utumishi Academy student have sought plea-bargaining agreements with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
During a mention at the Kibera Law Courts on Monday, the court heard that the ODPP had formally received a plea-bargaining request from one of the accused children, while another defence lawyer confirmed having written to the prosecution seeking similar negotiations on behalf of his client.
State Counsel told the court that a formal request had been received concerning a child identified as Subject 3, adding that preliminary discussions had already taken place. However, further consultations with the child were required before the process could proceed.
Another defence lawyer also informed the court that he had formally approached the ODPP seeking plea bargaining for his client. The lawyer requested enhanced visits to facilitate consultations with the child and the parents.
Other defence teams said they were still consulting their clients and their parents before deciding whether to pursue plea negotiations.
Trial Judge Kavedza allowed the plea-bargaining discussions to proceed and directed that the parents of all the children be granted two enhanced visits per month, in coordination with the institution where the minors are being held.
The court further ordered that the case be mentioned every two weeks to monitor progress in the negotiations, with the next mention scheduled for November 11, 2026.
The court also heard that the accused children were continuing with their education and were expected to sit for examinations the following week.
Children’s Officer Hilda Mbatha confirmed that the minors were attending classes in compliance with earlier court directions.
Judge Kavedza directed that their education continue uninterrupted as the case progresses.
The matter will return to court on November 11, 2026, for an update on the plea-bargaining discussions and further directions.
