DPP drops charges against 8 senior police officers, 4 charged with Baby Pendo murder
Four other police officers were on Monday charged in connection with the killing of the of 6-month-old baby in Kisumu.
The DPP, after reviewing the case, approved charges of murder and rape against the officers—John Chengo Masha, Lina Kogey, Cyprine Robi Wankio, and James Rono.
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 Masha’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.
Lina Kogey is also facing murder charges related to events that took place on August 12, 2017, during a police crackdown on civilians.
The accused persons were ordered to remain within court jurisdiction for seven days without interfering with witnesses.
Prosecutors told the court that the accused failed to prevent the crimes committed by their fellow officers.
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Among the 8 officers whose charges were dropped include Mohamed Baa, whom the court has been informed of his disappearance.
The case marks the first time Kenyan police are prosecuted under the International Crimes Act, which targets those responsible for grave human rights violations and war crimes.
The case that has drawn widespread attention from the public and human rights organizations is seen as a significant step toward justice and police accountability.
