By TONNY MUSISI
Five university students have been remanded at Eldoret Central Police Station for 21 days as detectives investigate allegations of child pornography, computer misuse and cybercrime involving minors aged between two and seven years.
The students, aged between 20 and 22, appeared before Eldoret Chief Magistrate Peter Ndwiga but were not allowed to take plea after the investigating officer sought more time to complete investigations.
Sergeant Irene Oduor, attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit, filed a miscellaneous application seeking their continued detention to facilitate investigations.
The students are Laban Kibet Kemboi, alias Brian, 22, and Hillary Kiplagat Komen, 22, both of Meru University; Vibian Jebaibai Kurgor, alias Vivian Jebet, 21, of Mount Kenya University; Naomi Jepkosgei, 20, of Meru University; and Lucy Jepkorir, 21, of Mount Kenya University.
The five, who hail from Elgeyo Marakwet County, were represented by lawyer Christopher arap Mitei.
In her application, Oduor told the court that detectives needed additional time to analyse electronic devices, mobile phones, SIM cards, storage media and wireless routers allegedly seized from the suspects.
“Your Honour, given the nature of forensic extraction, victim identification protocol and financial tracing required, it is practically impossible to compile a complete investigation file for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to make an informed charging decision within 24 hours,” Oduor said.
She told the court that the students were arrested during a targeted operation on October 9, 2026, at Blue House premises in Nchiru, Meru County, where they were allegedly involved in a gang sexual offence while recording the acts.
Oduor said officers recovered various digital devices, electronic equipment and other items from the scene.
She added that the seized items were yet to undergo forensic examination at the National Forensic Laboratory, after which a report would be submitted to the court.
According to the investigating officer, intelligence reports indicated that the suspects operated a highly mobile network without a permanent operational base.
The court heard that they allegedly moved between major towns, including Meru, Nairobi, Iten, Kapsowar and Eldoret.
The students’ university studies now face uncertainty as they remain in custody pending further investigations and plea-taking.
In his ruling, Ndwiga ordered that the five be detained at Eldoret Central Police Station until November 3, 2026, when they are expected to return to court for plea-taking.
“When I look at your ages, it shows that you are over mature and I therefore issue orders that you all be escorted to Eldoret Central Police Station until November 3, 2026, when you will be presented before my court for plea-taking,” Ndwiga said.
At the time of their arrest, the students were pursuing degree courses in data science and education. Detectives reportedly arrested them at different locations during the targeted operation.
