The National Police Service (NPS) has revealed that retired police officer Mohammed Baa, one of the suspects linked to the 2017 murder of Baby Samantha Pendo, remains at large, nearly seven years after the tragic incident in Kisumu that triggered national outrage and demands for police accountability.
Appearing before the court, NPS officials stated that despite repeated efforts to track down Baa, he has never been arrested. Recent attempts to locate him at his rural home in Wajir County proved futile. “The homestead appeared deserted, with no visible signs of human movement,” a police officer testified.
Baby Pendo, just six months old at the time, died from injuries sustained during a police crackdown on post-election protests in Kisumu in August 2017. Her death became a symbol of the excessive use of force by security agencies, sparking national and international condemnation.
Following a judicial inquest, several officers were found culpable, and 11 suspects were formally arraigned. Seven senior officers were later released due to insufficient evidence, while four others were charged in connection with the murder. Charges against Baa were dropped due to his continued absence, although he remains wanted.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) informed the court that it has reviewed the case based on new findings and has amended the case information accordingly. However, defence lawyers argued that the nature of these amendments has not been disclosed to the public, raising concerns over transparency.
The prolonged absence of Baa and the slow progress in the case have drawn criticism from human rights groups, who argue that justice for Baby Pendo and her family has been delayed for too long. They have called for renewed efforts to apprehend Baa and for full accountability for all involved in the incident.
As the case continues to unfold, the memory of Baby Pendo remains a stark reminder of the consequences of police brutality and the urgent need for reform within Kenya’s security apparatus.
