Five varsity students held over alleged child porn network
A yellow police tape at the scene of a crime.
Five university students will remain in police custody for seven days as detectives investigate their involvement in an alleged child sexual abuse and cybercrime network targeting children aged between two and seven years.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 22, appeared before Eldoret Chief Magistrate Peter Ndwiga but were not required to take a plea after the prosecution sought 21 days to complete investigations.
The network is suspected to be operating across several towns and involves the recording and distribution of footage depicting minors nude, with investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) focusing on digital evidence, victim identification and suspected financial transactions.
The court declined the request for 21 days and instead authorised their detention at Eldoret Central Police Station until November 3, 2026, when the case will be mentioned for plea-taking.
“When I look at your ages, it shows that you are over-mature,” Chief Magistrate Ndwiga said in his ruling before directing the suspects back into custody.
The five, who hail from Elgeyo Marakwet County, were represented by lawyer Christopher arap Mitei.
According to an affidavit filed by Sergeant Irene Oduor of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit, detectives arrested the suspects during a targeted operation on October 9, 2026, at Blue House premises in Nchiru, Meru County.
Investigators allege the group was involved in sexual offences against minors and recorded and distributed footage depicting the children nude.
Sergeant Oduor told the court that detectives recovered several digital devices and accessories, including mobile phones, SIM cards, storage media and wireless routers, which they intend to subject to forensic examination.
The prosecution said investigators needed more time to conduct forensic extractions at the National Forensic Laboratory, identify the alleged victims and trace financial transactions linked to the suspected network.
“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 ODPP to make an informed charging decision within 24 hours,” Sergeant Oduor told the court.
Intelligence gathered by the DCI indicates that the suspected network operated without a permanent base and frequently moved between urban centres, including Meru, Nairobi, Iten, Kapsowar and Eldoret.
The prosecution said the investigations would seek to establish the extent of the alleged activities, identify any other people who may have been involved and determine whether the recovered devices contain further evidence.
The suspects are reportedly pursuing degree courses in data science and education. They told the court that prolonged detention could jeopardise their academic futures.
The case will be mentioned on November 3, 2026, when the suspects are expected to take plea, as detectives continue investigating the alleged network.
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