The Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has announced that eight police bosses in the killing of Baby Samantha Pendo in Kisumu will now be State witnesses.

The officers were facing murder charges in the Baby Pendo case and 39 other victims of 2017 post-election violence.

The officers, who had been linked to the murder of Baby Pendo and other protester victims, will now record statements and testify on behalf of the prosecution, the DPP said.

The development comes hours after the DPP dropped murder charges against the officers Titus Yoma, Titus Mutune, Benjamin Koima, Benjamin Lorema, Volker Edambo, Josphat Sensira, Mohammed Ali Guyo, and Mohammed Baa (who has been on the run), and while authorising the prosecution of four other officers. “Consequently, I have directed that the eight officers record statements as prosecution witnesses,” Ingonga stated.

He added that his office remains committed to executing its constitutional mandates in accordance with the rule of law, public interest, and administration of justice.

On Monday, when the police officers appeared before Milimani High Court judge, Mr Ingonga, through State Counsel Mark Barasa informed the court that charges against the eight officers have been withdrawn.

However, the State confirmed that the DPP is proceeding with the prosecution of four officers: John Chengo Masha, Linah Kosgey, Cyprine Tobi Wankio and James Rono. The four have been charged with murder, eleven counts of rape and 38 counts of torture.

According to court documents filed by the DPP, junior officers were involved in the killing of Baby Pendo, multiple rapes, and torture of civilians, including instances where some victims were allegedly forced to pay bribes.

The DPP’s decision to drop charges against the eight officers has sparked outrage from over 30 human rights organisations.