By Eldoret Leo 
Five university students from Elgeyo Marakwet County will remain in police custody for seven days as detectives investigate their alleged involvement in a 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 on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, after prosecutors requested more time to complete investigations into the alleged offences.
The prosecution had sought 21 days to investigate the suspects, but the court declined the request and instead authorised their detention at Eldoret Central Police Station until November 3, 2026, when the case is scheduled for mention and plea-taking.
The suspects were not required to enter a plea during the court appearance.
According to an affidavit filed by Sergeant Irene Oduor of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit, the five were arrested on October 9 during a targeted operation at Blue House premises in Nchiru, Meru County.
Investigators suspect the group was involved in sexual offences against minors and the recording and distribution of footage depicting children in nude images.
The DCI is investigating whether the alleged activities formed part of a wider network operating across several urban centres, including Eldoret, Iten, Kapsowar, Meru and Nairobi.
Detectives reportedly recovered several electronic devices and accessories during the operation, including mobile phones, SIM cards, storage media and wireless routers.
The devices are expected to undergo forensic examination at the National Forensic Laboratory as investigators seek to establish whether they contain evidence linking the suspects to the alleged offences.
The prosecution told the court that the investigation also involves identifying the alleged victims, examining digital communications and tracing financial transactions suspected to be connected to the network.
In the affidavit, Sergeant Oduor argued that the complexity of the investigations made it difficult to compile a comprehensive file within 24 hours for consideration by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Investigators are also seeking to establish the extent of the alleged activities and determine whether additional individuals may have participated in the suspected network.
The prosecution further indicated that the group allegedly operated without a permanent base, frequently moving between different towns.
The five suspects, who are reportedly pursuing degree courses in data science and education, told the court that prolonged detention could jeopardise their academic progress.
They were represented by lawyer Christopher arap Mitei.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Ndwiga questioned the suspects’ conduct in light of their ages before ordering them back into custody as investigations continue.
The case is expected to return to court on November 3, when the suspects are scheduled to take plea, subject to the court’s directions.
The investigations remain ongoing, and the allegations against the five students have yet to be tested in court. The suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Robert Mutasi 
EldoretLeo