Mombasa Court Bans Internet Access for Woman Accused of Distributing Child Pornography

A woman facing multiple child exploitation charges has been barred from accessing any internet-connected device during her trial. 

The accused, known by several aliases including Regina, Mama Gloria, Big Mama, and Regina Re, stands accused of producing and distributing obscene material involving minors. Senior Resident Magistrate Gladys Ollimo issued the sweeping digital restriction, following concerns raised by the prosecution regarding the accused's alleged use of online platforms to commit the offences. Prosecutors argued that without strict safeguards, the suspect could resume online activity, potentially jeopardising the investigation and endangering vulnerable individuals.

The court acknowledged the absence of a formal mechanism to monitor the accused's digital behaviour upon release. However, Magistrate Ollimo ruled that the restriction was permissible under Kenya's Bail and Bond Policy Guidelines, citing the need to mitigate the risk of digital recidivism. The accused must obtain explicit court authorisation before engaging with any internet-enabled device.

Despite the severity of the charges, the court granted the accused temporary liberty, setting bond at Sh1 million with two sureties of equal value. Additional conditions include surrendering travel documents, a prohibition on leaving the jurisdiction without prior approval, and mandatory bi-weekly reporting to the investigating officer. Contacting prosecution witnesses, either directly or indirectly, is also forbidden.

The decision to grant bail came after the court determined that there was no compelling evidence to suggest the accused posed a flight risk or would interfere with witnesses. Magistrate Ollimo noted that the existence of other suspects abroad did not, in itself, implicate the accused in obstructing international investigations. 

"The prosecution has failed to establish compelling reasons to deny the accused bond as required in law," she stated.

The accused faces 13 counts, including child pornography, failure to protect minors from neglect, promotion of sexual offences involving children, and acquisition of proceeds from online exploitation. The charge sheet alleges that the accused used her mobile phone to produce and distribute explicit images of children via platforms such as WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, Telegram, and the dating website AfroIntroductions.

Investigators allege that the accused not only transmitted obscene content but also solicited minors for sexual acts in exchange for money. The court heard allegations that she exposed children to harmful materials, including sex toys and pornographic films, with the intent of encouraging them to engage in sexual behaviour. Prosecutors argue that these actions constitute a deliberate and sustained campaign of abuse facilitated through digital technologies.

The case originated from a cyber-tip received on 18 May 2025, from Cupid Media, an Australian firm that operates over 30 international dating platforms. The alert flagged a user named "Regina" linked to Kenyan contact details and a Telegram handle. Subsequent investigations uncovered graphic videos involving minors aged four, eight, and fourteen, suggesting the existence of a broader child pornography syndicate operating across borders.

Medical examinations confirmed that the children featured in the videos had suffered sexual abuse. The accused was arrested on 11 June in Changamwe, Mombasa, and has since denied all charges. Her legal counsel, Jared Magolo, argued that she has a known and traceable residence and lacks the capacity to interfere with witnesses, who are currently under police protection. 

He further contended that the offences, while serious, are bailable under Kenyan law. State Counsel Brenda Ogada opposed the bail application, citing the accused's transient lifestyle and the expansive nature of the ongoing investigation, which spans multiple counties. 

She warned that releasing the suspect could jeopardise efforts to apprehend other individuals linked to the syndicate, including foreign nationals currently being pursued with the assistance of Interpol. Sergeant Wycliffe Jefwa, the lead investigator, testified that the accused operated from various locations, complicating surveillance and increasing the risk of absconding. He emphasised the need for continued detention to safeguard victims and preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Kenya's Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act criminalises the production and distribution of child pornography, but enforcement remains challenging, particularly in cases involving encrypted platforms and international networks. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on 23 July, with further proceedings expected to shed light on the extent of the alleged syndicate.