NAIROBI, Kenya —A coalition of 30 human rights organizations has expressed outrage at the recent decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to withdraw charges against eight of the twelve police officers originally implicated in the brutal murder of Baby Samantha Pendo and other crimes committed during the 2017 Kenyan elections.
The DPP’s decision, made public today, has sparked condemnation from victims’ families and advocacy groups, including Amnesty International Kenya, Utu Wetu Trust, and the International Justice Mission.
They argue that the withdrawal of charges undermines justice for the victims, especially Baby Pendo, whose tragic death was one of the most heart-wrenching casualties of the violent crackdown during the elections.
Today, four police officers appeared before the High Court to face charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, and torture.
This marks a significant, though delayed, step in the legal process that began in 2022.
The case, which has faced multiple delays and adjournments, has seen numerous applications to defer plea-taking, leaving the victims and their families in a state of frustration and uncertainty.
The DPP’s recent move to amend the charge sheet has also raised alarms, particularly regarding the exclusion of senior officers with overall command responsibility during the operations that led to the deaths and injuries of over 60 Kenyans, predominantly in Kisumu County.
Among those charged is John Chengo Masha, who now faces serious allegations, including murder and crimes against humanity under the International Crimes Act. ynews.digital/newsflash/dpp-…
The charge sheet, which was amended without consultation from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), has not only omitted crucial figures but also exposed the names of victims and witnesses involved in the case, raising serious concerns about their safety.
“Publicly disclosing the identities of victims and witnesses in this case puts them at grave risk of harm and retaliation,” warned Irungu Houghton, Section Director at Amnesty International Kenya.
He urged the judiciary and all parties involved to adhere to the Victims Protection Act, ensuring the safety of those who are already vulnerable.
The groups are calling on the court to expedite the cases against the four officers who have now taken plea, ensuring that the justice process does not suffer further delays.
With repeated attempts to stall the case, there is growing skepticism that the victims of police violence, including the family of Baby Pendo, will ever receive the justice they deserve.
“Victims and their families, like Baby Pendo’s, deserve more than just legal action; they deserve closure, reparations, and accountability for the atrocities they’ve suffered,” said Vincent Chahale, Country Director for the International Justice Mission-Kenya.
The coalition’s appeal comes at a time when many are drawing comparisons between this case and the slow pace of justice following the 2007-08 post-election violence, where delays and a lack of accountability marked the aftermath.
As the case moves forward, there is a renewed call for swift and fair action to prevent a repeat of past injustices and to deliver a much-needed sense of justice and healing for the victims, their families, and the broader Kenyan society.
