University students in child pornography case denied bail

By  Titus Ominde

Contributor

Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

• The two allegedly conspired to publish and distribute child pornography.
• They are also accused of possessing digital images and videos depicting minors.

Two university students accused of child pornography and money laundering will remain in custody after an Eldoret court declined to grant them bail, ordering the prosecution to secure evidence and put measures in place to protect witnesses.

Principal Magistrate Caroline Wattimah rejected the applications by Eugene Kipruto Kangogo, 21, and Manasseh Kiptanui Kosgei, 26, saying concerns raised by the prosecution over the nature and effect of the alleged offences were valid.

“The application by the first and second accused persons for release on bond/bail is hereby declined at this stage,” Ms Wattimah ruled.

Videos depicting minors

The decision means the two fourth-year students will remain in custody despite pleas to be allowed to return to university.

Mr Kangogo, a Mathematics and Physics student at Meru University of Science and Technology, told the court he was scheduled to sit examinations this week, while Mr Kosgei, a student at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), was due to report back to campus last Monday.

Both denied all the charges. According to court records, the two allegedly conspired with other people who have not been charged to publish and distribute child pornography in Kenya between January 1, 2025 and August 16, 2026.

They are also accused of intentionally downloading and possessing digital images and videos depicting minors on an Infinix smartphone.

Sale of child pornography

Mr Kangogo faces an additional charge of acquiring more than Sh2 million in proceeds of crime through M-Pesa and other mobile money services, allegedly derived from the sale of child pornography.

The magistrate ordered the prosecution to compile and secure all physical, electronic and financial evidence within 30 days.

She further directed State agencies to implement immediate witness protection measures for the victims.

Once the evidence has been secured, the prosecution must supply the defence with all required trial materials. The case will be mentioned on October 13, 2026, for further directions.

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