Seven-Year Wait for Justice: Parents of Baby Killed by Police Still Seek Answers

KE
Published:

Joseph Oloo Abanja and Lensa Achieng continue to grieve the loss of their six-month-old daughter, Samantha Pendo, who died following a brutal police operation in Kenya seven years ago. The officers alleged to have been involved in her death have yet to face trial, causing immense frustration and sorrow for the grieving couple.

The tragic events unfolded on the night of August 11, 2017, during post-election riots in Kisumu, an opposition stronghold. Police, deployed to quell protests, used tear gas on the couple's home, leading to injuries that resulted in their daughter's hospitalization and eventual death from a broken skull and internal bleeding three days later.

Despite promises of justice, the scheduled court hearings against twelve police officers accused of murder, rape, and torture have been repeatedly postponed. Achieng shared the pain of waiting: “Each moment of expectation leads to disappointment in our search for justice.” Concerns about political will to prosecute are evident, with lawyers indicating that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has not aggressively pursued the case.

Calls for accountability have been echoed by local leaders, including Kisumu governor Peter Anyango' Nyong'o, who has urged the chief justice to investigate possible obstruction of justice. The couple is now considering alternative legal routes, including approaching the East African Court of Justice or the International Criminal Court.

Their story highlights broader issues of police brutality and the struggle for justice for victims of election-related violence in Kenya, with the couple expressing a firm resolve to seek justice for their daughter, stating, "I’ll make sure that I have justice."

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from Kenya

Shocking Discovery: Man Arrested After Police Find Dismembered Body Parts in Nairobi

In a disturbing incident in Nairobi, Kenya, police made a horrifying discovery during a routine traffic stop on the morning of January 24, 2025. Officers noticed a man carrying a significantly heavy backpack and decided to conduct a check. Instead of finding stolen goods or illegal drugs, they uncovered dismembered body parts inside the bag. During preliminary questioning, the 29-year-old man reportedly revealed that the remains were those of his wife. Following this shocking revelation, police searched the couple's home and found additional body parts hidden under a bed, along with blood-stained clothing and a sharp knife. The scene was described as gruesome, with blood splattered across the floor. The man has since been placed under a three-week detention while authorities continue their investigation into the suspected murder. Some body parts remain unaccounted for, and searches are ongoing. This case adds to a troubling trend of femicides in Kenya, where recent reports noted 90 cases over just three months. The incident has drawn comparisons to a previous case involving a man accused of murdering and dismembering 42 women.
KE

Disappearance of Critics Sparks Fears of State-Sponsored Abductions in Kenya

The reported abduction of over 80 government critics in Kenya over the past six months has ignited public outrage and fears of a return to the country's history of state-sponsored disappearances. A judge is set to imprison top security officials for contempt of court if they fail to account for the alleged kidnappings during a hearing scheduled for Monday. The alarming trend follows nationwide protests against proposed tax hikes that began last June, with the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights documenting at least 24 individuals still unaccounted for. Government officials deny the allegations of kidnapping and illegal detention, yet many citizens recall the dark era under former President Daniel arap Moi, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of such abuses. Notable cases include that of Billy Mwangi, a 24-year-old college student and vocal government critic, who was abducted in December and later released. His return, while a relief for his family, has left him traumatized and reluctant to discuss his ordeal. Similar experiences have been reported by the Longton brothers, who were held for 32 days and subjected to violence. They have since alleged that their detention was a form of government coercion aimed at silencing dissent. Amid increasing public scrutiny, the Kenyan government maintains that organized crime could be behind the abductions, distancing itself from direct responsibility. President William Ruto has pledged to address the issue and restore public trust, responding to both domestic anger and international concern over the treatment of political activists. Activists and families of the missing are now advocating for international intervention, calling on the Attorney General to refer abduction cases to the International Criminal Court as fears continue to mount about the safety of dissenters in the country.
KE

Shocking Discovery in Nairobi as Police Find Body Parts in Suspect's Backpack

In a disturbing incident in Nairobi, Kenya, police made a gruesome discovery during a routine patrol when they stopped a man carrying a heavy backpack at 5 a.m. Upon searching the bag, officers found human body parts, leading to an immediate investigation. The 29-year-old suspect reportedly indicated that the remains belonged to his wife. Following the revelation, authorities conducted a search of the couple's home and uncovered additional body parts, blood-stained clothing, and a knife. The crime scene showed signs of a violent struggle, with blood smeared across the floor. The suspect has been placed in preliminary detention for three weeks as investigations continue. Missing body parts are still being searched for by the authorities. This case draws parallels to a previous incident last year where multiple remains were discovered at a dump site in Nairobi, linked to a man accused of murdering and dismembering 42 women. Reports indicate a troubling trend of femicide in Kenya, with at least 90 cases reported within a three-month period last year.
KE