By Grace Gilo
The High Court in Nairobi has postponed the plea-taking for 12 police officers charged with the murder of Baby Samantha Pendo, who was killed during the 2017 post-election chaos in Kisumu.
Originally set for January 15, 2025, the officers, who facing murder charges, will now appear in court on January 29, 2025.
The accused individuals are Titus Yoma, Titus Mutune, John Chengo Masha, Linah Kogey, Benjamin Kipkokei Koima, Benjamin Lorima, Volker Edambo, Cyprine Robi Wankio, Josphat Sensira, Mohamed Ali Guyo, Mohammed Baa, and James Rono.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), this postponement was occasioned due to the reassignment of the case from Lady Justice L. Mutende to Lady Justice M. Muigai following Justice Mutende’s transfer to Nyahururu High Court.
“An order issued by Hon. Justice K. Kimondo directed that the plea-taking be deferred to January 29, 2025, to allow for a smooth transition of the case to the newly assigned judge,” stated the ODPP.
The ODPP further highlighted that the case remains one of the most high-profile in recent history, with Baby Pendo’s death symbolizing the tragic outcomes of police brutality during the 2017 post-election unrest.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Vincent Monda, welcomed the court’s decision stating that the smooth transition would ensure the proper flow of the case and help advance justice for the victims and their families.
The plea-taking is now expected to proceed before Lady Justice M. Muigai on January 29, 2025.