Chief Justice Martha Koome|PHOTO COURTESY|
In a press statement, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o has threatened to write to the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning delayed justice by the Kenyan Judiciary following the murder of Baby Samantha Pendo which happened more than 7 years ago.
The Governor expressed his dissatisfaction over lack of progress in the case where 12 police officers are accused of killing the child during post election violence in 2017 at her parents’ house in Nyalenda, Kisumu.
“I wish to appeal to the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, Justice Martha Koome, to take up this matter and ensure the case progresses with the speed it deserves,” Governor Nyong’o stated.
He further urged the Judiciary and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to move with speed and finalize the case and give it attention it deserves, so that the victims can get justice.
“The Judiciary and the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) must prioritize the Baby Pendo case by ensuring that the suspects are made to take plea as soon as possible,” he urged.
The officers, linked to the brutal killing of Baby Pendo who were to face charges of murder, rape, and torture have not been judged as accordingly, since the case is being postponed each time it is mentioned. It is also reported that the presiding judge has been transferred.
The Governor said that there seem a hidden agenda for the postponement of the case as officers accused still move freely and are still employees of the Kenya Police Service.
“The reasons given for the aborted plea-taking are not convincing and appear to be mere scapegoats…a high profile case is being delayed on flimsy grounds while the suspects are walking around freely and still in employment of the Kenya Police Service,” decried Nyong’o.
Due to the increased pressure for justice, Nyong’o threatened to involve the ICC, if Chief Justice Martha Koome will not act immediately and conclude the case.
“The people of Kisumu who suffered police brutality in 2017 are eager to see justice done to the victims. The CJ must find out immediately whether someone or groups of people are sabotaging this case to protect some people.”
“We may be forced to write to the ICC to move in should the local courts continue to delay the cases because justice delayed is justice denied,” Nyong’o added.
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