Eight Years On: Four Kenyan Police Officers Charged with Murder of Baby Pendo Amid Rights Groups’ Outcry
Nairobi, Kenya – After nearly eight years of delays, four Kenyan police officers have finally been charged in connection with the murder of six-month-old Baby Samantha Pendo, whose death became a chilling symbol of police brutality in Kenya.
The charges, which include murder as a crime against humanity, torture, and rape, were read out in court on Monday. The accused officers pleaded not guilty to all counts. The case stems from the 2017 post-election chaos in Kisumu, where police were deployed to suppress protests. During the operations, Baby Pendo was fatally struck on the head while sleeping in her mother’s arms. Her death shocked the nation and triggered widespread outrage.
Eight other officers who were initially accused have been cleared by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), a move that has sparked backlash from human rights organizations. Groups such as Amnesty International have condemned the decision, calling it a failure to hold senior commanders accountable.
“The charge sheet omits senior officers who held overall command responsibility during the operations that saw the deaths, rape, and injuries of no less than 60 Kenyans,” Amnesty said in a joint statement with other civil society organizations.
They also expressed concern about the public release of names of victims and witnesses, warning that it could expose them to threats and retaliation.
In a statement, Lensa Achieng, Baby Pendo’s mother, said that despite the long journey, she is hopeful:
“It’s been tough, but as the family of Baby Pendo, at least we are going somewhere. It’s just our prayer to find justice for our daughter so that whatever happened to us does not happen to another parent.”
The case has faced repeated delays over the years. While a public inquest had in 2019 found the police culpable and recommended prosecution, no officer had entered a plea until this week. Rights groups have accused the state of lacking the political will to bring justice, especially since the transition to a new Director of Public Prosecutions in 2023.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also voiced concerns, saying it was not involved in the recent decision to amend the charge sheet and was unaware of the rationale behind the exclusion of the eight officers.
Amnesty International’s Executive Director in Kenya, Irungu Houghton, earlier this year told the BBC there appeared to be “an unwillingness to try to prosecute this case.”
With the case now officially in court, human rights groups are urging the judiciary to ensure speedy and transparent proceedings, fearing the justice system might once again fail the victims.
As Kenya watches the trial unfold, Baby Pendo’s legacy continues to serve as a haunting reminder of the country’s unresolved struggles with police violence and impunity.
Follow Netizen Radar for ongoing updates on this case and other justice and human rights stories across Kenya.
