After nearly eight years of anguish and stalled legal proceedings, the tragic death of six-month-old Samantha Pendo, a name that became a painful symbol of police brutality in Kenya has returned to court in a case that’s once again stirring emotions across the country.
Four Kenyan police officers were officially charged this week in connection with the baby’s death during a violent crackdown on post-election protests in Kisumu back in 2017. They now face multiple counts, including murder as a crime against humanity, torture, and rape—charges they have all denied.
But even as the court proceedings finally inch forward, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has dropped charges against eight other officers who had initially been implicated in the case. The move has sparked an outcry from human rights groups and families of victims, who argue that justice continues to evade not just baby Pendo’s family but dozens of others affected by the deadly police response that year.
Rights watchdogs like Amnesty International have criticized the omissions in the charge sheet, particularly the failure to name high-ranking officers who oversaw the security operations in Kisumu. According to their joint statement, the absence of command-level accountability sends a troubling message.
“This isn’t just about four officers. Over 60 Kenyans were killed, and many others were tortured or raped. This case must be bigger than what’s currently before the court,” said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya.
Concerns have also been raised over the prosecutor’s controversial decision to publicly disclose the identities of victims and witnesses—something rights groups say could put those individuals at serious risk of intimidation or retaliation.
The case, dormant for years due to procedural delays and shifting prosecutorial leadership, has long symbolized Kenya’s struggles with police reform and justice for victims of state violence. Baby Pendo’s death was especially harrowing—struck on the head by police during a raid in her parent’s home, the infant succumbed to her injuries after days in a coma.
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Her mother, Lensa Achieng, speaking to the BBC, expressed cautious hope. “It’s been a long road, but at least we’re finally seeing something. We just want justice for our daughter, so that no other family goes through what we did.”
Despite repeated calls for accountability, the case had been marred by delays, sudden charge amendments, and what some have described as a lack of political will. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which conducted the original investigations, has publicly stated that it was not consulted on the latest prosecutorial decisions and is unclear on the basis for dropping charges against the other officers.
Since a new prosecutor took office in 2023, progress on police brutality cases—including this one—has been slow. With this latest development, rights advocates are urging the judiciary to ensure there are no further delays.
“This moment is not just about baby Pendo,” Houghton added. “It’s about restoring public faith in our justice system and ensuring that Kenya is not a country where the powerful can inflict violence with impunity.”
As the trial unfolds, many Kenyans will be watching closely—not just for a verdict, but for a broader reckoning with the institutions meant to serve and protect them.
