Grim testimonies have emerged in the ongoing Baby Pendo murder case, revealing shocking allegations of rape and theft linked to police officers. These officers, who were deployed to manage political violence in Nyalenda, Kisumu East Sub-County during the aftermath of the 2017 general elections, now face serious charges of assaulting several women, including raping them in turns.
According to the charges, four senior police officers are accused of orchestrating a series of horrific acts. On August 12, 2017, police officers under their authority allegedly broke into a woman’s home by lobbing tear gas canisters into the residence. Once inside, the officers assaulted and raped the woman in turns. A similar incident occurred on August 4, 2017, when another victim’s door was smashed, and she was beaten with a club before being raped by the officers.
The charge sheet also highlights an incident involving six other armed officers on August 11, 2017, who raided another woman’s home, beat her and others with sticks, and stole Ksh2,000 from her. One of the officers reportedly sexually assaulted her by inappropriately touching her.
On the same day, three more officers allegedly stormed into a different house, interrogated the woman about her husband’s whereabouts, and, upon learning that he was not home, proceeded to rape her in turns. The brutality continued as four more officers forcefully gained entry into another woman’s house at the Ghorofa Chafu Building. Three of them raped both the homeowner and her friend, while the fourth officer acted as a bystander.
The charges also include another incident on August 12, when three police officers entered yet another house in the same building, demanding information on the whereabouts of the male occupant. After confirming that the man was absent, they proceeded to rape the woman in turns while demanding money. They left with Ksh500 from her purse.
Later that day, two more officers raided a house at Kilo Junction, inquiring about the man of the house. After confirming his absence, they raped the woman in turns before leaving her in pain.
These allegations have painted a disturbing picture of abuse of power and brutality by police officers during a period of intense political unrest. The senior officers charged in this case have all pleaded not guilty to the charges, with their legal representatives denying all allegations. Lady Justice Margaret Muigai, presiding over the case at the Milimani High Court, entered a plea of not guilty on their behalf.
Each of the accused officers was granted a personal bond of Ksh200,000 and instructed not to interfere with witnesses. The case will be revisited on May 12, 2025, for further directions. This case has drawn public attention, highlighting the ongoing issue of police brutality and abuse of power in Kenya, as the country grapples with calls for greater accountability and justice for the victims.
