The High Court has barred four police officers charged with the murder of six-month-old Baby Samantha Pendo from accessing specific estates in Kisumu County. Justice Margaret Muigai issued the directive on Monday, following an application by victims’ lawyer Willis Otieno. The move is aimed at protecting the victims and preventing any possible intimidation or contact with witnesses.
The officers John Chengo, Linah Kogey, Cyprine Robi, and James Rono have been prohibited from setting foot in the estates of Nyalenda, Obunga, Nyawita, and Nyamasaria, areas considered hotspots during the 2017 post-election protests. These locations are also home to several victims and witnesses linked to the case.
The order comes days after the four officers were formally charged with multiple counts, including the murder of Baby Pendo, a crime classified as a crime against humanity. They also face charges of torture and rape committed against civilians during the violent crackdown on protests that followed the disputed 2017 general elections.
Samantha Pendo, widely known as Baby Pendo, became a symbol of police brutality in Kenya after she died from a head injury inflicted during a police operation in Kisumu’s Nyalenda estate. Her death sparked nationwide outrage and calls for justice and police reform.
Initially, 12 officers had been implicated in the case. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) dropped charges against eight of them, citing insufficient evidence. The remaining four officers pleaded not guilty to all charges and were released on a personal bond of KSh200,000 each as they await the court’s decision on bail and bond terms.
The DPP did not oppose their release on bail, but the restrictions on movement signal the court’s effort to ensure the safety of victims and preserve the integrity of the trial process. The case remains one of Kenya’s most significant police brutality prosecutions in recent history, and is being closely watched by human rights advocates and the general public.
A ruling on the officers’ bail conditions is expected in the coming weeks.
