Governor Nyong'o slams delays in baby Pendo murder case, threatens ICC intervention

Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o has urged Chief Justice Martha Koome to urgently intervene in the delayed murder case of Baby Samantha Pendo, a six-month-old infant killed during the 2017 post-election protests.

In a press statement on Friday, Nyong'o expressed deep concern over the lack of progress in the case involving 12 police officers accused of the infant's death.

Governor Nyong'o described the ongoing delays in the case as a "blatant violation of human rights."

He called on both the judiciary and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to prioritise the case and ensure the accused officers are swiftly brought to trial.

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"I wish to appeal to the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, Justice Martha Koome, to take up this matter and ensure the case progresses with the speed it deserves," Nyong'o said.

"The Judiciary and the DPP must prioritise the Baby Pendo case by ensuring that the suspects are made to take plea as soon as possible," he added.

The 12 officers, linked to Baby Pendo's brutal killing in Kisumu's Nyalenda estate, have been charged with murder, rape, and torture.

Postponements

Despite the gravity of the charges, the case has been stalled for seven years, with the most recent plea-taking session on Thursday postponed for the third time due to the transfer of the presiding judge.

"The reasons given for the aborted plea-taking are not convincing and appear to be mere scapegoats," Nyong'o said, voicing his frustration over the delays.

He also expressed concern that the accused officers continue to serve in the police force despite the ongoing case.

The murder of Baby Pendo, whose skull was reportedly crushed by police batons during a crackdown on protesters, became a symbol of the violence and human rights violations that occurred during Kenya's tumultuous 2017 elections.

Governor Nyong'o lamented the prolonged wait for justice and warned that the case might be facing deliberate sabotage.

"The people of Kisumu who suffered police brutality in 2017 are eager to see justice done to the victims," he said, stressing the need for accountability.

Nyong'o further suggested that there might be efforts to protect those involved, stating that the Chief Justice must investigate whether any individuals or groups are intentionally delaying the case.

As tensions rise over the case's continued delays, Nyong'o also warned that Kenya risks international scrutiny under the Rome Statute.

He hinted that if the local courts fail to act, he would be compelled to seek intervention from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"We may be forced to write to the ICC to move in should the local courts continue to delay the cases because justice delayed is justice denied," the governor concluded.