Police officers charged with Baby Pendo murder barred from visiting crime scene

The High Court has directed officers charged with the murder of Baby Samantha Pendo not to set foot at the scenes of the crime as part of enhanced conditions issued last week pending bail.

The 4 accused have been barred from setting foot in Nyalenda, Nyamasaria, and Nyawita areas in Kisumu County.

The court further ordered that the accused persons must not contact any witnesses or the victims.

These new directives were issued to allow time for the preparation of a comprehensive bail report, which is to be submitted within two weeks.

Additionally, the Witness Protection Agency may provide an assessment report to the court and to the concerned parties within the same two-week period. The case is scheduled for mention on May 28, 2025.

In the case four police officers have been charged in connection with the killing of the of 6-month-old baby in Kisumu. 

John Chengo Masha, Lina Kogey, Cyprine Robi Wankio, and James Rono were charged with the murder of Baby Pendo during post-election violence witnessed after the 2017 General Election.

Chengo, a senior officer, faces charges of murder, rape, and crimes against humanity under the International Crimes Act.

He is accused of failing to prevent his subordinates from storming civilian homes, where they allegedly beat residents with clubs, raped more than 20 women, and subjected them to other forms of abuse.

Reports indicate that under Chengo’s command, police officers broke into several homes, used tear gas, assaulted residents, and took turns raping women.

Some victims were allegedly forced to pay between Ksh.500 and Ksh.2,000. Meanwhile, other officers stood by and did nothing to intervene.

Kogey is also facing murder charges related to events that took place on August 12, 2017, during a police crackdown on civilians.