A coalition of 30 human rights organisations, led by Amnesty International Kenya, has strongly condemned the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga to withdraw charges against eight police officers previously implicated in the brutal killing of Baby Samantha Pendo during the 2017 post-election violence.
Speaking on behalf of the organisations, Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irũngũ Houghton criticised the move, highlighting that over 60 victims suffered severe police brutality during the 2017 unrest.
“Such a decision must not go unchallenged, as it undermines justice and accountability,” he asserted.
Houghton was joined by other civil society leaders, including representatives from the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya, Utu Weru Trust, International Justice Mission, and the Police Reforms Working Group.
The organisations expressed collective outrage over the exclusion of eight out of the twelve originally implicated officers from prosecution.
In a press statement, Amnesty International Kenya stated: “Today, four police officers took plea before the High Court of Kenya for crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, and torture committed against civilians during the 2017 elections.”
The organisation further voiced its disappointment at the DPP’s failure to consult the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) prior to dropping the charges, describing the process as opaque and devoid of accountability.
Amnesty also criticised the revised charges for omitting senior police commanders who bore overall responsibility for the Kisumu operations that resulted in multiple deaths, sexual violence, and serious injuries to more than 60 people.
The State, represented by Counsel Mark Barasa, informed the court that the charges had been withdrawn against officers Titus Yoma, Titus Mutune, Benjamin Koima, Benjamin Lorema, Volker Edambo, Josphat Sensira, Mohammed Ali Guyo, and Mohammed Baa (who has been on the run).
However, the DPP affirmed readiness to proceed with the prosecution of four senior officers: John Chego Masha, Linah Kogey, Cyprine Tobi Wankio, and James Rono.
IPOA has strongly opposed the termination of charges against the eight officers, citing lack of consultation.
Nonetheless, the authority did not object to the plea taking of the four officers, who now face serious charges before the High Court, including murder, rape, and torture.
The rights organisations have urged the Judiciary to expedite proceedings against the four officers, while reiterating their demand for full accountability and justice for all victims of the 2017 electoral violence.
