In September, the big story for us was the transfer of the Baby Samantha Pendo case from Nairobi to Kisumu. The High Court of Kenya agreed that since the killing and other abuses happened in Kisumu, and most witnesses and survivors are based there, it is the proper venue for the trial.
Human rights organisations, including Utu Wetu Trust, Amnesty International Kenya and International Justice Mission, welcomed the move but emphasised that this is only a preliminary step toward accountability. They pointed out that the case has been delayed by years, repeatedly bounced between judges, and seen charges dropped and key suspects remain at large.
What this really means is that venue change alone won’t guarantee justice unless the courts, the prosecution and oversight agencies now commit to a clear timeline, ensure witness protection, and respect victims’ rights to participate. Utu Wetu will continue to monitor every step.
Different media outlets covered this development with our support and alongside our partners. Below are links to their coverage.
Radio Jambo
Classic 105
Nation
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CbpmDQ8iU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Capital FM
Court moves Baby Pendo case to Kisumu, orders Police Commission to facilitate accused officers
2. https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2025/09/rights-league-welcomes-transfer-of-baby-pendo-case-to-kisumu-decries-delays/
Eastleigh Voice
- https://eastleighvoice.co.ke/news/215711/high-court-orders-transfer-of-baby-pendo-murder-case-to-kisumu
- https://eastleighvoice.co.ke/national/217093/rights-groups-welcome-moving-of-baby-pendos-case-to-kisumu-push-for-speady-prosecution
The Star Newspaper
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-09-26-justice-for-baby-pendo-must-move-from-paper-to-action-say-lobbies