Five university students accused of child pornography, computer misuse and cybercrime involving minors have been released on cash bail after spending 21 days in police custody.
The five, aged between 20 and 22, were granted cash bail of Ksh20,000 each by an Eldoret court, with each required to provide one contact person. The court did not offer them an alternative bond.
Chief Magistrate Peter Ndwiga granted the students bail following an application by their lawyer, Christopher Mitei, who urged the court to consider lenient terms to allow his clients to resume their studies as they await the conclusion of investigations.
In his ruling, Ndwiga directed each student to deposit the required amount, with the matter scheduled for mention on November 17, 2026.
The students had initially appeared before the court three weeks ago but were not allowed to take plea after the investigating officer, Sergeant Irene Oduor, requested additional time to complete investigations.
Oduor, who is attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit, had sought permission to detain the suspects at Eldoret Central Police Station as detectives examined electronic devices and other materials allegedly recovered during their arrest.
The students are accused of offences involving minors aged between two and seven years.
According to the investigating officer, the five were arrested on October 9, 2026, during a targeted police operation at Blue House premises in Nchiru, Meru County.
Oduor told the court that detectives suspected the students of involvement in alleged gang sexual offences, which were reportedly recorded. Police recovered several digital devices, electronic equipment and other items during the operation.
The investigating officer further informed the court that mobile phones, SIM cards, storage devices and wireless routers allegedly seized from the suspects were yet to undergo forensic examination at the National Forensic Laboratory.
She said investigators intended to analyse the materials and submit a forensic report to the court as part of the ongoing investigations.
The court also heard that intelligence reports suggested the suspects operated a highly mobile network without a fixed operational base. They allegedly moved between several towns, including Meru, Nairobi, Iten, Kapsowar and Eldoret.
The five students were identified as Laban Kibet Kemboi, alias Brian, 22, and Hillary Kipkagat Komen, both from Meru University; Vivian Jebaibai Kurgo, alias Vivian Jebet, 21, from Mount Kenya University; Naomi Jepkosgei, 20, of Meru University; and Lucy Jepkorir, 21, from Mount Kenya University.
At the time of their arrest, the suspects were pursuing degree programmes in data science and education. They were reportedly apprehended at different locations during the coordinated police operation.
