When they were presented in court on Monday, the eight suspended Utumishi Girls students expected to be granted bail and be released as their case continues.
However, this was not so as Justice Diana Kavedza denied them bail.
The Lady Justice in her rulling stated that the eight students facing murder charges, could not be released at this stage as it could compromise the integrity of the trial and undermine the administration of justice.
The Judge noted that the circumstances surrounding the case raised concerns that warranted the minors remaining in custody as the matter proceeds.
“The court finds that the immediate release of the minors would expose them to harm,” she ruled.
Justice Kavedza added that releasing the accused at this stage could potentially interfere with the judicial process and affect the integrity of the proceedings.
It should be noted that the eight are facing 16 counts of murder following an incident that led to their arrest and subsequent suspension from Utumishi Girls.
The minors are now held at Kamae Girls Borstal Institution, located within the Kamiti Maximum Prison.
A children’s officer was directed to monitor their safety throughout their stay at the facility with the minors’ parents being allowed contact with their children once a month.