By Samuel Ouma
Former Kenyan midfielder Collins Okoth, popularly known as Gattuso, has been arraigned alongside his co-accused, Silvia Aoko, at the Milimani Law Courts in connection with the murder of a three-year-old girl in Lucky Summer Estate, Ruaraka, Nairobi.
The duo appeared before Justice Alexander Muteti but did not enter a plea to the charges.
The prosecution confirmed that both suspects had undergone medical assessment. Justice Muteti directed that the mental assessment reports be filed in court by September 11, 2024, when they are expected to plead to the charges.
The midfielder played for Gor Mahia and the national football team, Harambee Stars. He and his co-accused are alleged to have murdered a young girl named Pamela Atieno, also known as Scovian Maya, in April 2024.
During the court session, the Investigating Officer (I.O) appeared following court summons to address claims that he had withheld Mr. Okoth's personal belongings, including a mobile phone and money.
The I.O. refuted these allegations, stating that he had recovered a Samsung mobile phone and a wallet containing two identification cards and an NHIF card during the arrest.
He confirmed that these items were documented in an inventory signed by the suspect.
Justice Muteti ordered the Investigating Officer to release the Samsung mobile phone to Mr. Okoth and directed him to file a formal complaint with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) regarding any grievances.
Okoth, who has been held at Industrial Area Remand Prison, and his co-accused, who is being held at Lang'ata Women's Prison, remain in custody as detectives finalize investigations into the alleged murder.