Four senior police officers have been charged in relation to the brutal crackdown that followed the 2017 general election in Kisumu, an operation that left Baby Samantha Pendo and dozens of others dead.
The officers; John Chego Masha, Linah Kogey, Cyprine Tobi Wankio, and James Rono stood before Justice Margaret Muigai at the Milimani High Court, facing serious charges tied to the violence. The officers, who denied all accusations, are charged with nine counts, including murder, rape, and torture.
The case, built on a 30-page dossier filed by Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, lays out harrowing details. It outlines how junior officers allegedly carried out brutal acts, including the killing of six-month-old Baby Pendo, the rape of women, and extortion of victims forced to pay bribes ranging from Sh500 to Sh2,000.
This is the first time Kenyan officials have been charged with crimes against humanity under the International Crimes Act a landmark move invoking the doctrine of command responsibility. This principle, rooted in international law, holds leaders accountable for crimes committed by those under their authority if they fail to stop or punish the perpetrators.
The four are accused of bearing responsibility for the deaths of 40 people, including Baby Pendo, and for the sexual violence inflicted on over two dozen women in Kisumu. The case is seen as a crucial test of Kenya’s commitment to justice and accountability, particularly in addressing past abuses by state actors.
