Women in p**n shoot scandal freed

By Sophie Njoka.

Eleven women, who were arrested in Nyali area in Mombasa last Thursday on suspicion of shooting porn films, have been freed on cash bail.

The Shanzu Law Courts on Tuesday, July 16, released the suspects after they pleaded not guilty to charges of trafficking in obscene publication.

The 11 women are: Merceline Atieno, Mariam Hamza, Dolly Kanana, Laureen Achieng, Salma Makeri, Knight Aluoch, Faith Mbesa, Diana Wairimu, Anita Mburu, Christine Mueni and Damarise Akumu.

Merceline Atieno and one other male suspect, claimed to be the owners of the live-porn shoot business, were charged with living on earnings from prostitution, allegations the duo denied before Shanzu Principal Magistrate Florence Macharia.

The charges read that on July 10, 2019 at Simba Estate, House Number 17, in Nyali Sub-County, for the purpose of trade, the 11 women conveyed obscene publication -- namely transmission of pornographic video streaming -- with an intention of corrupting morals.

The suspects were released on Ksh50, 000 bond each or an alternative cash bail of Ksh20, 000.

Enock Elisha Ochieng and Merceline Atieno, who are alleged to run the porn-streaming business, were released on a bond of Ksh100, 000 with an alternative cash bail of Ksh50, 000.

The charges of the two read that on July 10, 2019, at the same house, they [Enock and Merceline] knowingly and unlawfully lived wholly on earnings of prostitution in that they exercised control, direction and influenced over the movements of prostitutes for the purpose of gain. 

Shanzu Principal Magistrate Florence Macharia released the suspects on bail, saying the Prosecution did not give compelling reasons why the suspects, who had been in police custody since July 10, should continue being in detention.

The matter will be heard on July 30, 2019.