Two fourth-year university students charged with multiple counts linked to child pornography and related offenses suffered a setback, Tuesday, when an Eldoret court declined to free them on bond.
Eldoret Principal Magistrate Caroline Wattimah ruled against the release of Eugene Kipruto Kangongo, 21, also known as Travis, and his co-accused, Manasseh Kiptanui Kosgei, 26.
Kangongo is a mathematics and physics student at Meru University of Science and Technology, while Kosgei studies at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
Both were due to report back to their campuses last week.
According to the charge sheet, the two are accused of jointly conspiring with others not before the court, between January 1, 2025, and August 16, to commit a felony by publishing and distributing child pornography.
They face further counts of knowingly possessing child pornography stored on an Infinix mobile phone with IMEI number 352479231342304 and of intentionally downloading images and video footage depicting minors using telecommunication devices.
Kangongo faces an additional count of acquiring proceeds of crime exceeding Sh2 million via mobile money services, including M-Pesa.
The prosecution alleges the accused derived the money from the illegal sale and distribution of child pornography.
The pair had denied all the charges during plea-taking and sought reasonable bond terms to enable them to continue with their studies.
“The application by the first and second accused persons for release on bond/bail is hereby declined at this stage,” Magistrate Wattimah said in her verdict.
The magistrate noted that the prosecution’s concerns went beyond the seriousness of the charges to the effect of the alleged nature of the offenses.
She directed the prosecution to complete the compilation, preservation, and secure custody of all physical documents intended as evidence within 30 days.
She also ordered the prosecution to secure electronic and digital evidence, including communication and financial records, and any other relevant material.
“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,” the magistrate said.
She further ordered that, upon completion of the process, the prosecution must furnish the accused with all materials to which they are entitled in law.
The matter was fixed for further directions on October 13, 2026.
By Maurice Aluda
