Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has called on Chief Justice Martha Koome to intervene in the case against 12 police officers linked to the killing of six-month-old Baby Samantha Pendo.
Pendo’s skull was fractured by police officers in a violent crackdown during post-election protests in 2017 in Kisumu, but years later, justice remains elusive.
Despite directives from the Deputy Public Prosecutor to charge the officers with murder, alongside allegations of rape and torture, the case has yet to begin.
Governor Nyong’o emphasised the need for swift justice, describing the continued delays as a gross violation of human rights, after plea-taking was postponed for the third time.
“The reasons given for the aborted plea-taking are not convincing and appear to be mere scapegoats,” Nyong’o said.
He added, “We are being told that the plea could not take place because the judge who had been handling the case has been transferred.”
In a statement to the media, Nyong’o said those expected to investigate and bring to justice in baby Pendo’s case are mishandling the matter.
The continued postponement of the case is unacceptable and a blatant violation of human rights, he said.
“I wish to appeal to the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, Justice Martha Koome, to take up this matter and ensure the case progresses with the speed it deserves.”
Justice Koome should investigate why such a high profile case is being delayed on flimsy grounds while the suspects are walking around freely and still in the employment of the Kenya Police service.
The Judiciary and the DPP, he said, must prioritise the case by ensuring that the suspects take plea as soon as possible.
Should the delays persist, they
may seek intervention from the International Criminal Court.
