NAIROBI, Kenya – The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved charges against four individuals in the Baby Pendo murder case, after reviewing the case files, while charges against the remaining six suspects have been dropped.
Among those charged is John Chengo Masha, who now faces serious allegations, including murder and crimes against humanity under the International Crimes Act.
The Baby Pendo case, which dates back to August 2017, has been a symbol of the call for justice and accountability following the tragic death of six-month-old Samantha Pendo during a police operation to quell post-election protests in Kisumu.
The case has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for justice for victims of police brutality.
The court was informed that Mohammed Baa, the eleventh suspect in the case, remains at large, with efforts to locate him at his rural home in Wajir County proving unsuccessful.
Mohammed, a retired police officer, has never been arrested since the case began.
Despite police efforts, his homestead appeared deserted, and no signs of human movement were detected.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) stated that it has reviewed the case in light of new findings and amended the charges accordingly, although the nature of the amendments has not been disclosed publicly.
The defence has raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding these amendments.
The case, which has already seen several officers found culpable through an inquest, remains a significant chapter in Kenya’s ongoing battle for justice and accountability in cases of police violence.
Update: After nearly five years in court and several deferrals and delays, The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided to charge only four junior police officers and not the full eleven, including senior police commanders, in the Baby Pendo case. Meanwhile, plea taking is
