This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
On July 13, 2020, Senior Resident Magistrate Muthoni Nzibe denied bail to Thomas Scheller, a 71-year-old German national, who is facing charges of human trafficking, defilement, and making pornographic videos of minors.
According to the court, witnesses in the case are minors who will testify first before further orders can be made.
The prosecution, led by Winnie Moraa, handed over the witness statement to the accused immediately the magistrate declined his bail application.
Thomas Scheller has been charged with trafficking, defiling minors, and making pornographic videos using them. The alleged pornographic videos were reportedly wired overseas to accomplices involved in child molestation.
The prosecution claims the offences occurred in Kisumu and Kwale Counties.
Defence lawyer John Swaka had submitted that the accused should be released on bond to keep himself safe outside the remand homes due to the Covid-19 pandemic and his age.
However, the court had been told that the accused will influence the minors if released before they testify.
Thomas Scheller has denied being unlawfully in Kenya besides the child trafficking, defilement, and pornography charges.
