Baby Pendo murder case fails to take off again as main suspect still on the run

The case against 12 police officers charged over the 2017 murder of baby Samantha Pendo in Kisumu’s Nyalenda slums on Thursday failed to take off again after one of the suspects failed to appear in court.

The court heard that senior police officer Mohammed Baa, who is considered the main suspect in the murder - with a warrant for his arrest issued last year - is still on the run.

The other officers facing charges in relation to baby Pendo’s death during the violence after the 2017 General Elections are; Titus Yoma, Titus Mutune, John Chengo, Benjamin Koima, Benjamin Lorema, Volker Edambo, Cyprine Robe, Josphat Sensira, Mohammed Ali Guyo and James Rono.

The prosecution asked the court for more time to review charges in the case following what it termed as challenges in tracing officer Baa.

Milimani High Court Lady Justice Margaret Muigai hence granted the prosecution 30 days, but directed the Inspector General of Police to furnish the proceedings with a report detailing efforts undertaken to trace the suspect.

“The court also directed prosecution to pursue amendments of charges and to consider the withdrawal of charges against Mr. Baa in the event he is not arrested,” the ODPP said in a statement.

“The suspects are expected to face the charges instituted under the International Crimes Act 2008, considering the role played by each of the them on the basis of the international law principle of superior responsibility.”