Inspection General of Police Douglas Kanja in a past occasion// Photo Courtesy
The High Court has summoned Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja to appear in January 2025.
The police boss is requested to appear before the court to explain why a police officer linked to the murder of Baby Samantha Pendo and 38 others in Kisumu has not been arrested.
The killings happened in 2017 and upto now, justice has not been served.
This summon comes shortly after twelve police bosses who are alleged to have been involved in the killing of Baby Pendo and others during the 2017 post-election chaos in Kisumu were not charged.
The case which was supposed to be heard today yet again failed because two suspects did not show up in court.
The court wishes to ascertain why, Mohamed Baa, a senior police officer, who is linked to the murder of the said victims has not been arrested.
The court gave a directive in October 2024, instructing IG Kanja to arrest and produce Baa in court. Baa has, however, evaded authorities for over two years.
This order issued by Justice Lilian Mutende came in line with a directive following a petition from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which affirmed that without Baa’s presence, proceeding with the trial would compromise the fairness of the case.
Eleven other police officers who were accused and dragged in the case, have been in custody. The case was initially set for October 2024 but was deferred to November 5, 2024, to allow time for Baa’s arrest.
The infant’s case has been greatly followed in Kenya, with Kenyans advocating for justice and accountability in the police department.
Baby Pendo was tragically killed in her family’s home during police operations following the 2017 general election, something that attracted both public and international outcry.
