Long Road to Justice: The Heart-Wrenching Story of Samantha Pendo’s Parents in Kenya

Parents of six-month-old Samantha Pendo, who died from injuries inflicted during a police operation, continue to endure emotional pain and legal delays in their pursuit of justice against the officers involved.

Seven years have passed since the tragic death of six-month-old Samantha Pendo, the daughter of Joseph Oloo Abanja and Lensa Achieng, after a harrowing midnight police raid in Kenya during post-election unrest. "It is a scar that will never fade away," Ms. Achieng, a hotel worker, shared, reflecting on the loss that still haunts them. Each postponement in the case against the alleged officers rekindles their hope, only to lead to fresh disappointment.

The family resides in Kisumu, an opposition stronghold where riots erupted in August 2017 amid electoral discord. That fateful night, they barricaded their home against growing chaos outside. Soon, police broke down their door and used tear gas to disperse the family. Amid the tumult, Ms. Achieng came out holding Samantha, who gasped for breath. Tragically, despite swift attempts to save her, Samantha succumbed to her injuries after three days in intensive care.

Justice has been elusive for the grieving parents and others affected by the violence. Although twelve police officers were expected to face charges of murder and torture, repeated delays have frustrated the victims and their legal representatives. Lawyer Willys Otieno cites a lack of political will in prosecuting those responsible for the violence, suggesting that the current Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seems disinterested in pursuing the case.

Despite previous investigations finding police culpable and initiating a public inquest, the momentum has stalled. New DPP Renson M Ingonga has yet to revive the prosecution, leading to fears of systemic disregard for addressing these human rights violations. Victims’ advocates consider private prosecution or appeals to international judicial bodies as possible routes for justice.

For Ms. Achieng and Mr. Abanja, hope for justice remains a non-negotiable aspect of their healing process. "It doesn't matter how I'll do it, but I'll make sure that I have justice," asserts Mr. Abanja, as he reflects on the profound loss of their daughter, whom he named after his mother, signifying the deep personal impact of her absence.