The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has recommended murder charges against former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars midfielder Collins Okoth, alias Gatusso.
The Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is yet to approve the charges as they now require seven days to make the decision.
The DCI wants the footballer charged with the murder of a three-year-old girl found dead outside her mother’s house in Lucky Summer Estate in Starehe Sub County, Nairobi, on April 22.
On May 31, 2024, the ODPP received the DCI’s investigation file for review and is expected to make the decision within a week.
However, even before Gatusso faces charges, the investigations could result in the DCI denying him bail and bond, citing threats against witnesses.
The officer investigating the case, detective constable Gilbert Kiprotich, told a Makadara court that the community around Gatusso is wild against him, adding that members of the public want to kill the suspect.
Kiprotich pleaded with Senior Principal Magistrate Gerald Mutiso to detain Gatusso for 10 more days pending the ODPP’s decision, but the former Harambee Stars midfielder opposed the application through his lawyer. He stated that the government scientists have not yet received the DNA analysis report.
The detective reported threats against some witnesses in the case and urged the court to reject the suspect’s bond terms.
The victim’s mother also testified in court, stating that her family disowned her following the child’s death due to local customs.
She told the court that she was living in fear of Gatusso, whom she said could harm her and opposed his release on bond.
A friend, who is currently hosting her, informed the court that the deceased’s mother has been emotionally unstable and lives in fear. Okoth said that the DNA is not required by the court at this stage.
He claimed that the detective had not revealed the charges he had suggested to the ODPP, had received 21-day custodial orders to detain him, and had not shared the difficulties he encountered during that time.
But prosecution counsel Christine Kabale dismissed the argument that the DNA analysis report was not necessary.
“The DNA is a very important piece of evidence because it will either exonerate the respondent (Gatussi) or find him culpable,” stated Kabale.
Mutiso stated that he is allowing the suspect’s detention because witnesses are afraid of him. The ODPP is yet to make a decision on whether to charge or not.
He also mentioned the DCI’s legitimate concerns that members of the public might lynch the suspect.
“Kiprotich has credible information that witnesses are facing threats,” Mutiso said.
The magistrate remanded Gatusso at the Lucky Summer Police Station until June 13, 2024.
Lucky Summer assistant chief Peris Muthoni reported the murder to the Lucky Summer police station via OB17/22/04/2024, informing the police of a suspected murder and dumped child.
Police arrived at the scene, found the child half naked with bruises on her neck, and suspected sexual assault. Police suspect that the child may have been thrown there dead.
The minor was found half-naked and dead behind the apartment where she lived with her mother in a house on the ground floor.
The child’s mother had left the house at 1 a.m. and returned at 4 a.m. to find her missing.
