Seven additional minors charged in the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire have indicated they want to negotiate plea deals, raising the total number of students seeking such arrangements to nine.

The seven expressed their willingness to enter negotiations on Thursday when the case appeared before Kibera High Court Judge Diana Kavedza, joining two earlier minors who had already signaled interest.

Prosecution officials reported that discussions are at varying stages, with some proposals rejected and others awaiting approval from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Three of the minors (subjects 5, 6 and 8) proposed to become state witnesses, but the State said the terms were unacceptable and declined the offers.

Other minors have offered to plead guilty, with one request pending a response from the ODPP and another awaiting the Director of Public Prosecutions’ approval.

The State opposed plea negotiations involving one minor (subject one), insisting the child remain in the criminal proceedings as an alleged offender.

Justice Kavedza instructed both parties to accelerate talks and submit any finalized agreements by 15 December 2026, giving them roughly one month to conclude negotiations.

The judge emphasized that the matter should not be unduly delayed, noting the involvement of children facing serious criminal charges.

In addition to plea talks, the court examined access rights for the minors, asking whether they were permitted to meet parents and lawyers at least twice a month.

The prosecution said no reports indicated that the children had been denied family contact, while the judge declined to set fixed visitation dates, citing security and welfare concerns.

She ordered flexible visitation arrangements to protect the minors’ identities and safety.

The nine minors are among those charged with murder for the fire that killed 16 students, and the court will revisit the case on 15 December 2026 to receive updates on plea‑bargaining progress and any written agreements.