Students Eugene Kipruto Kangongo, alias Travis, 21, and his co-accused Manasseh Kiptanui Kosgei, 26, in an Eldoret court A court in Eldoret has denied bail to two fourth-year university students facing 10 counts related to child pornography and cybercrime.
The students, 21-year-old Eugene Kipruto Kangogo, alias Travis, and his co-accused Manasseh Kiptanui Kosgei, 26, were scheduled to report back to their respective campuses last week.
However, they will remain in custody for 30 days to allow police to complete investigations and preserve evidence.
Principal magistrate Caroline Wattimah granted an application by the prosecution to detain the suspects, ruling that compelling reasons were presented to deny them release on bond or bail.
“The application by the first and second accused persons for release on bond/bail is hereby declined at this stage,” Wattimah ruled.
Investigators had sought more time to gather and safeguard evidence, arguing that if released, the suspects had the capacity to interfere with the process and witnesses, who include minors.
They are accused of conspiring to commit a felony by publishing and distributing child pornography between January 1, 2025, and August 16.
They were also accused of knowingly and intentionally possessing child pornography stored on a digital device—a mobile phone.
The charges further state that Kangogo and Kosgei intentionally downloaded child pornography, comprising images and video footage depicting minors, using telecommunications devices.
Kangogo faces a separate charge of acquiring proceeds of crime amounting to more than Sh2 million through mobile money transfer services.
The charge sheet states that Kangogo knew or had reason to believe the money constituted proceeds derived from the illegal sale and distribution of child pornography.
The duo denied all charges during plea-taking last week and pleaded with the court to admit them to reasonable bail terms to enable them to continue their studies.
Kangogo told the court he was scheduled to sit an examination this week, while his co-accused stated he was due to report back to campus last Monday.
Magistrate Wattimah directed the prosecution to finalise the compilation, preservation and secure custody of all physical documents intended for use as evidence within 30 days.
She further ordered the prosecution to secure electronic and digital evidence, including communication logs, financial records, and any other relevant materials.
“The prosecution shall within 30 days take all necessary and lawful measures for the protection of the victims or other persons connected with the case, including referral for appropriate witness protection measures where necessary,” Wattimah said.
She directed that upon completing the process, the prosecution must furnish the accused with all materials to which they are entitled under the law.
“Nothing in this order shall be construed as authorising the withholding of material from the accused persons contrary to their constitutional or statutory rights,” the magistrate added.
The matter will be mentioned on October 13 to confirm compliance and receive further directions.
