A court has banned a woman accused of online child pornography from using any internet-connected device.
In a world where even toddlers swipe tablets before they can say ‘mama’, one woman accused of child pornography has been ordered to go on a strict digital detox, not by choice, but by an order of the court.
For the entire duration of her trial, the woman, known by several aliases—including Regina, Regina Re, Mama Gloria, and Big Mama—is banned from using any internet-connected device, unless the court says otherwise.
She, however, secured temporary freedom after being released on bond.
Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate Gladys Ollimo issued the order after the prosecution raised concerns over the lack of safeguards to prevent the accused from accessing electronic devices allegedly used in the commission of the offences upon release.
Investigators found pornographic videos of minors aged four, eight and 14, among them a boy, pointing to a broader criminal syndicate engaged in child sexual exploitation.
While Ms Ollimo acknowledged that the absence of a mechanism to monitor the suspect’s gadget use was not, in itself, sufficient grounds to deny her liberty, the court held that appropriate conditions could be imposed. These include restricting her access to devices or engagement in online activity pending trial, as provided for under the Bail and Bond Policy Guidelines, to address the prosecution’s concerns.
“The accused shall not use or access any electronic device connected to the internet for the duration of the trial, except with express permission of the court,” said the magistrate.
In granting her bond, the court noted that the accused’s residence is known and traceable. “Accordingly, the accused is hereby admitted to Sh1 million bond with two sureties of a similar amount. She shall not contact or interfere directly or indirectly with any prosecution witness,” said the magistrate.
The court noted that the fact that other suspects are yet to be arrested abroad does not directly implicate the accused’s likelihood of skipping trial or interfering with foreign investigations, adding that no evidence was adduced to demonstrate how her release would prejudice investigations.
The court also noted that the gravity of the offence alone is not sufficient to deny bail unless accompanied by evidence of compelling reasons, such as a clear risk of absconding or witness interference. “No such evidence has been presented here. I find the prosecution has failed to establish compelling reasons to deny the accused bond as required in law,” said the magistrate.
Reports indicate that the suspect was not only distributing, but also receiving, downloading, and sharing materials related to child exploitation, and was receiving payments for distributing these materials.
As a condition for bond, the suspect was ordered to deposit her travel documents with the court and not leave the jurisdiction without prior leave of the court. She shall also report to the investigating officer once every two weeks until further orders. This is in addition to not accessing any internet-connected device.
The accused is charged with 13 criminal offences, including child pornography, failing to protect a child from neglect, promotion of sexual offences with a child, acquiring proceeds of and subjecting a child to online abuse and exploitation.
The charge sheet indicates that she knowingly and intentionally produced, transmitted and published obscene images of minors on various digital platforms, including WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, Telegram, and the website “AfroIntroductions”, using her phone.
She is also accused of engaging in communication via these platforms, thereby distributing and disseminating obscene images, exposing the children to harmful content and violating their rights.
The court was also told that the accused intentionally solicited the children for sexual contact and other inappropriate behaviour for money, including statements describing sexual acts with the child, thereby subjecting them to online abuse and exploitation through electronic systems and communication technologies on online platforms.
She is further accused of failing to protect the children by exposing them to sexual abuse and exploitation through producing, processing and distributing sexually explicit materials involving the children and attempting to solicit them for sexual purposes on online platforms.
The court heard that the suspect also promoted sexual offence with a child by supplying and displaying to the children sex toys, pornographic films and other materials intended to be used in the performance of sexual acts, with the intention of encouraging and enabling the children to perform such acts.
She is also accused of soliciting for and receiving money in return for sexually explicit content and offering sex acts involving children, knowing or having reasons to believe that such payments were proceeds of criminal conducts.
The suspect, who was arrested on June 11 in Changamwe, denied the charges.
The case was triggered by a cyber-tip on May 18, 2025 from Cupid Media, an Australian firm managing over 30 global dating platforms. The alert flagged a user named “Regina” linked to Kenyan contact details and a Telegram handle.
Investigations led to the discovery of pornographic graphic videos featuring minors aged four, eight, and 14, suggesting the existence of a wider child pornography syndicate. The digital trail led to the arrest of the suspect, who was then accused of producing, distributing, and profiting from explicit content involving children, including her own, via the ‘AfroIntroductions’ dating site. Medical reports confirmed the minors had suffered sexual abuse.
State Counsel Brenda Ogada opposed her release on bail, citing the accused’s lack of fixed residence and ongoing extensive investigations across multiple Kenyan regions, which posed a high flight risk.
Sergeant Wycliffe Jefwa, who is investigating the case, told the court that the accused operated from various locations, which would complicate efforts to monitor her.
The court also heard that Interpol is aiding in the hunt for other suspects, including foreign nationals. The state insisted that her continued detention is necessary to protect victims and preserve the investigation's integrity.
Through her advocate Jared Magolo, the woman asked to be granted bond, saying she has a known address and no ability to interfere with witnesses, now in police custody. She argued that the charges preferred against her are bailable and urged the court to grant her bond.
The case will be heard on July 23.
