MILIMANI COURT, Nairobi July 23 – The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has applied to the High Court at Milimani to have the Baby Pendo murder case involving four senior police officers transferred to Kisumu for trial.
The DPP told the court today that transferring the matter to Kisumu will better serve the ends of justice.
He also noted that the alleged crimes, including murder, rape, and torture, were said to have been committed in informal settlements of Nyalenda, Nyamasaria, Kondele, and Obunga within the County.
The DPP further informed the court that there are over 80 witnesses, most of whom reside in Kisumu and requiring them to travel to Nairobi for proceedings would incur them undue costs and logistical challenges.
The accused persons were John Chengo Masha, Linah Kosgey, Cyprine Robi Wankio, and James Rono, who were Inspectors of Police at the time the crime is said to have been committed.
They have been jointly charged before Lady Hon. Justice Margaret Waringa Muigai with 11 counts of rape as a crime against humanity, and 11 alternative counts for failing to prevent or suppress widespread acts of sexual violence committed by their subordinates.
Others 38 counts of torture as crimes against humanity, and alternative charges for neglecting to submit these serious allegations for investigation and prosecution.
They are alleged to have committed the offences between 11th and 12th August 2017.
The court will deliver its ruling on the transfer application on 18th September 2025.
