- Eldoret Principal Magistrate Caroline Wattimah has denied bond to university students Eugene Kipruto Kangongo and Manasseh Kiptanui Kosgei over child pornography charges.
- Kangongo faces an additional charge of acquiring over Sh2 million in proceeds of crime through mobile money linked to the alleged offences.
- The court has directed the prosecution to secure physical and digital evidence within 30 days, with the case set to return on October 13, 2026.
Two university students accused of multiple offences linked to child pornography will remain in custody after an Eldoret court declined to release them on bond.
Eldoret Principal Magistrate Caroline Wattimah on Tuesday denied bond to Eugene Kipruto Kangongo, 21, alias Travis, and Manasseh Kiptanui Kosgei, 26, who are facing several charges relating to the alleged publication, distribution and possession of child pornography.
Kangongo is a fourth-year Mathematics and Physics student at Meru University of Science and Technology, while Kosgei is a fourth-year student at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. The two were expected to report back to their respective campuses last week.
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According to the charge sheet, the two allegedly conspired with others not before the court between January 1, 2025, and August 16, 2026, to commit a felony by publishing and distributing child pornography. They also face charges of knowingly possessing child pornography stored on a mobile phone, as well as intentionally downloading images and videos depicting minors through telecommunication devices.
Kangongo faces an additional charge of acquiring proceeds of crime exceeding Sh2 million through mobile money services, including M-Pesa. The prosecution alleges the money was obtained from the illegal sale and distribution of child pornography.
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The two denied all the charges when they appeared in court and asked to be released on reasonable bond terms to allow them to continue with their studies. However, Magistrate Wattimah declined the application, citing concerns surrounding the nature of the alleged offences. “The application by the first and second accused persons for release on bond/bail is hereby declined at this stage,” the magistrate ruled.
The court directed the prosecution to complete the compilation, preservation and secure custody of all physical evidence within 30 days. The prosecution was also ordered to secure electronic and digital evidence, including communication and financial records, as well as any other relevant material. The magistrate further directed the prosecution to take necessary measures to protect victims and other persons connected to the case. The case will return to court on October 13, 2026.
By Lizzy Aluga
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