The seven KU students accused of burning property worth Sh102 million were released on bail on Thursday.
They are David Amisi, David Morara, Dominic Orwa, Eric Mutuku, George Nguru, Trevor Agoi and Victor Wafula.
They denied
setting a fire that destroyed the institution's
property worth Sh89,889,564 and another count of
maliciously damaging other property worth Sh13 million.
Kiambu principal magistrate Stella Atambo granted them Sh500,000 cash bail or Sh1 million bond each and set a hearing for March 15.
Atambo told them not to go to the university or post anything about it on social media, and
to report to the investigating office
every two weeks.
Their phones will remain with police for investigations and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms will be concerned.
Atambo gave the learners a chance to give their views on the ruling despite the presence of their lawyers.
They told the court they would like negotiations with the school and for the magistrate to consider that they are in their final year of study.
The seven further said they suffered during the eight days of their detention and that some of them had been disowned by their family members who believe they are criminals.
"The incident occurred due to the political process of choosing student leaders," they added.
The suspects also said the bail was too high for people without jobs but assured the court that they would not abscond.
Their lawyers - Kennedy Murunga and Ochieng Oyiek - asked the court to review the release terms as the accused are "students from humble backgrounds" who cannot raise the amount.
"The accused persons are remorseful ... I will talk to them about pursuing the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms," Murunga added.
The lawyers further noted that the students had faced their school's senate and that they are to write examinations from next week.
The university said it would comply on terms within reason. It had earlier opposed the students' release saying they were a danger to their schoolmates.
Prosecutor Christine Mbevi had opposed the defense
team's requests saying the accused's inability to raise the money had not been demonstrated.
The case will be mentioned on February 2 and heard on March 15.