By Grace Gilo
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is seeking to transfer the Baby Pendo Case involving senior police officers to Kisumu.
The DPP has submitted an application to the High Court at Milimani, requesting that the murder case concerning four senior police officers be moved to Kisumu for trial.
“The DPP told the court today that transferring the matter to Kisumu will better serve the ends of justice, while noting that the alleged crimes, including murder, rape, and torture, were said to have been committed in informal settlements of Nyalenda, Nyamasaria, Kondele, and Obunga within the County,” stated the ODPP.
Additionally, the DPP informed the court that there are over 80 witnesses, most of whom reside in Kisumu. Requiring them to travel to Nairobi for the proceedings would impose unnecessary costs and logistical challenges.
The accused individuals, John Chengo Masha, Linah Kosgey, Cyprine Robi Wankio, and James Rono, were serving as Inspectors of Police at the time the alleged crimes were committed.
They face 11 counts of rape as a crime against humanity, along with 11 alternative counts for failing to prevent or suppress widespread acts of sexual violence perpetrated by their subordinates.
Additionally, they are charged with 38 counts of torture as crimes against humanity and alternative charges for neglecting to report these serious allegations for investigation and prosecution.
“They are alleged to have committed the offenses between 11th and 12th August 2017,” added the ODPP.
The court is scheduled to issue its ruling on the transfer application on the 18th of September 2025.