Footballer Collins Okoth charged with murder of a 3-year old child
By Joseph Ndunda |
The former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars midfielder has been in custody since late April
Former Harambee Stars midfielder Collins Okoth alias Gatusso has denied murder charges in relation to the killing of a 3-year old baby girl and will remain in custody awaiting court’s determination on whether to release him on bond pending trial.
Okoth appeared virtually before Justice Alexander Muteti from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI’s) Starehe offices.
Detective constable Gilbert Kiprotich opposed bail and bond terms prompting the court to remand Okoth and co-accused in custody awaiting a social inquiry by the State Department of Probation and Aftercare services.
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Okoth is charged with murder contrary to section 203 as read with section 204 of the Penal Code alongside his accomplice Sylvia Aoko Odhiambo.
They will remain in custody until July 30 when the high court will set their bail and bond terms if they will be found eligible for the same.
The suspects are accused of murdering the minor on April 22 this year in Lucky Summer estate in Starehe, Nairobi on April 22 this year. She was found dead outside her mother’s house.
Former Harambee Stars player Collins Okoth Ougo alias Gatusso was today arraigned before Justice Alexander Muteti in a Milimani high court to answer charges related to the alleged murder of a minor.
— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) July 23, 2024
The renowned ex Gor Mahia midfielder and his co-accused Sylvia Aoko Odhiambo… pic.twitter.com/uovO10UFNN
The murder was reported at the Lucky Summer police station vide OB17/22/04/2024 by Lucky Summer assistant chief Peris Muthoni who informed the police that there was a child suspected to have been murdered and dumped.
Police visited the scene and established that the child had bruises on the neck and she was half naked, suspected to have been sexually assaulted. Police suspect she was thrown there dead.
DCI had recommended murder charges against the celebrated footballer after the conclusion of investigations in May.
Langat has opposed bail and bond for both on various grounds including the fact the two do not have a permanent place of residence.
The detective has also argued that witnesses in the case have been threatened.
Kiprotich also says the community around Okoth is hostile against the suspect, adding members of the public could lynch him.
The detective said some witnesses in the case have been threatened and urged the court to deny the suspect bond terms.
The victim’s mother also told the court that she has been disowned by her family after the child’s death because of her community’s customs.
She had told Senior Principal Magistrate Gerald Mutiso in May that she is living in fear of Gatusso who she said could harm her and opposed his release on bond.
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