Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has urged Chief Justice Martha Koome to take up the baby Pendo case.
Terming the delay as justice denied, Nyong’o, in a statement dated Friday, January 17, 2025, appealed to the CJ to investigate why such a high-profile case is being drugged and ensure it progresses with the speed it deserves.
Furthermore, the governor said that the CJ must find out whether the case is being sabotaged to protect the individuals involved.
“I wish to appeal to the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, Justice @CJMarthaKoome, to take up this matter and ensure the case progresses with the speed it deserves. Justice Koome should urgently 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 @PoliceKE Service,
“The CJ must find out immediately whether someone or groups of people are sabotaging this case to protect some people,” Nyong’o’s statement reads in part.
In addition, the interim leader of the ODM party further stated that although 12 officers linked to the case have been taken to court, the case has not yet started.
Ny’ong’o urged the Judiciary and the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to prioritize the case and suspects are brought to book.
“Although 12 police officers who have been linked to the murder have been taken to court, the case is taking too long to start.
“The @Kenyajudiciary and the DPP must prioritize the Baby Pendo case by ensuring that the suspects are made to take plea as soon as possible. Kenyans and the whole world want to know what happened during that fateful night the Police killed the baby,” Nyong’o said.
Baby Pendo’s death
The ODM interim leader went on to say that seven years after her brutal murder, the family are still waiting for justice.
Baby Pendo is among the victims of police brutality during the 2017 post-general election protests, her death shocked Kenyans.
“Seven years ago, police officers quelling post-election protests in Kisumu, brutally killed six months old Baby Samantha Pendo at her parents’ house in Nyalenda estate. The cold-blood murder of an innocent baby who knew nothing about the elections shocked the world and horrified Kenyans. It is annoying that seven years later, Baby Pendo’s family are still waiting for justice.
“Anxiety is growing as police officers who broke baby Pendo’s skull with rungus bought by taxpayers’ money continue to enjoy freedom.
2017 police brutality
Nyong’o noted that apart from seeking justice for baby Pendo, 2017 victims of police brutality in Kisumu county are also eager to see officers involved brought to book.
“The people of Kisumu who suffered police brutality in 2017 are eager to see justice done to the victims. They would like to see the Police officers who injured them and destroyed their livelihoods punished,” he added.
PRESS STATEMENT
— Gov. Anyang' Nyong'o (@AnyangNyongo) January 17, 2025
BABY PENDO: JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED!
Seven years ago, police officers quelling post-election protests in Kisumu, brutally killed six months old Baby Samantha Pendo at her parents house in Nyalenda estate.
The cold-blood murder of an innocent baby who… pic.twitter.com/dQ8D7gpyGX
