The plea-taking of 12 police officers accused of involvement in the brutal killing of Baby Samantha Pendo, a tragedy that shook the nation seven years ago, has been postponed to January 29, 2025. The delay followed the transfer of Justice Lilian Mutende, who had been presiding over the case, creating the need for a new judge to oversee proceedings.
The accused officers were initially scheduled to plead to charges on January 15. However, with Justice Mutende’s recent reassignment, the High Court deferred the matter, reassigning it to Justice Margaret Muigai. The officers are now expected to face charges relating to the death of the six-month-old Baby Pendo, who died in Kisumu during a police operation to quell post-election protests in August 2017.
Baby Pendo’s death became a symbol of the human cost of excessive force during political unrest. The infant succumbed to injuries sustained during a police raid in the Nyalenda slums, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability. An inquest conducted in 2018 found the police culpable, recommending the prosecution of senior officers who oversaw the operation.
The rescheduling of the plea-taking marks another chapter in a case that has been marred by delays, much to the frustration of Baby Pendo’s family and human rights activists. The family has repeatedly called for swift justice, emphasizing the importance of holding those responsible for her death accountable.
Human rights organizations have also voiced concerns over the prolonged delays, citing the impact on public confidence in the judicial system. “Justice delayed is justice denied. The family of Baby Pendo and the public deserve closure,” said one activist.
The upcoming plea-taking on January 29 will be a pivotal moment in the case as the officers formally face charges. The trial is expected to shed light on the events that led to Baby Pendo’s tragic death and serve as a crucial test of Kenya’s commitment to justice and accountability in cases of police brutality.
