Court postpones plea taking of 12 officers in Baby Pendo's murder

The suspects were scheduled to appear before the court on January 15, 2025 for plea taking but will now have to wait for January 29.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said that the postponement was after the case was reallocated to Lady Justice M. Muigai after Lady Justice L. Mutende, who was handling the case, was transferred to Nyahururu High Court.

"Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Vincent Monda, welcomed the court's decision stating that the smooth transition would ensure the proper flow of the case and help advance justice for the victims and their families," said ODPP.

Baby Pendo passed away at her family home after police raided Nyalendo slums during the 2017 post-election violence.

The infant’s mother, fleeing tear gas, encountered police and tragically, Baby Pendo was killed during the incident.

An inquest into the incident began in 2019 to hold senior officers and others accountable for her death.

In 2022, the ODPP charged 12 police officers with crimes against humanity under the International Crimes Act, which domesticated the Rome Statute into Kenyan law.

Baa, Kosgey, Titus Yoma, Titus Mutune, John Chengo, Benjamin Koima, Benjamin Lorema, Volker Edambo, Cyprine Robe, Josphat Sensira, Mohammed Ali Guyo, Mohammed Baa, Linah Kosgey and James Rono, are all linked to the tragic death of the infant.