Eldoret:Two Meru University students, facing serious charges related to the exploitation of young children, have been released on bond pending trial. The case has garnered attention due to its connection with technology, cybercrime, and the abuse of minors.
According to Kenya News Agency, Laban Kibet Kemboi, also known as Biran, and Hillary Kiplagat Komen, both data science students, were each granted a bond of Sh 500,000 with one surety by Principal Magistrate Kimani Mukabi at an Eldoret court. The magistrate denied their lawyer’s request for an alternative cash bail, citing the seriousness of the charges.
The students face a total of 32 counts under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act. The charges involve alleged activities with minors aged two to seven years, to which the students have pleaded not guilty.
The charges, as outlined in the charge sheet, reportedly occurred between January 2025 and October 2026. Kemboi is accused of acquiring over Sh 1.2 million through the illegal distribution of prohibited material, while Komen is charged with selling such material via a digital network.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit arrested the students on 9 October 2026 in Meru County. During the operation, officers recovered several digital devices and electronic equipment, which are currently under forensic examination.
Their lawyer, Christopher arap Mitei, argued for a more accessible form of bail, emphasizing that the students are not flight risks. However, the magistrate remained unconvinced and warned the accused against interfering with witnesses, stating that such actions would violate their bond conditions.
The case is set for mention on 24 November 2026, amid ongoing concerns about the misuse of technology by educated young individuals in committing online crimes targeting children. Police have described the suspects as operating a highly mobile network without a fixed base.
