Four police officers facing trial for the horrific 2017 killing of baby Samantha Pendo have been ordered by the High Court not to enter areas where the violence occurred.
Justice Margrate Muigai on Monday instructed police bosses John Chengo Masha, Linah Kosgey, Cyprine Robi Wankio, and James Rono - all of whom have denied various charges including murder, torture, and rape - not to set foot in the Nyalenda, Nyawita, Obunga, Nyamasaria, and Kondele areas of Kisumu pending a pre-bail report expected to be tabled in court in a fortnight.
The judge issued the orders after over 60 victims' advocates from the International Justice Mission, Amnesty International, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Utu Wetu, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission raised concerns about the safety and security of the victims, who are said to be key witnesses in the murder trial.
The rights groups noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), while charging the officers last week, revealed victims' names and areas of residence in the charge sheet.
