A court has heard chilling testimony in the murder trial of three-year-old Pamela Atieno, alias Scovian Maya, who was killed in Nairobi’s Lucky Summer estate in April 2024.
The child’s body was discovered behind a building, naked and with a swollen forehead. A witness, Steven Maingi, recounted how he stumbled upon the body while going to hang a carpet. He rushed to inform his uncle, who contacted local authorities. Police later confirmed the child as a resident of the neighbouring apartments, often seen playing on the balcony opposite Maingi’s building.
Former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars midfielder Collins Okoth, popularly known as Gatusso, is charged alongside Sylvia Aoko with the murder. The offence allegedly occurred on the night of April 21 into the morning of April 22, 2024, at Kwetu Apartments in Lucky Summer. Both accused have denied the charges.
Initially remanded following their arrest in May 2024, the two were granted bond on September 17, 2025, after Justice Alexander Muteti ruled that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient grounds to deny them release. They were each admitted to a bond of Sh1 million with one surety of the same amount. However, the court barred them from entering Lucky Summer and prohibited any contact with witnesses. They must also provide fixed abode details, submit letters from area chiefs, and deposit any passports with the court.
Aoko has since met the bond conditions and secured her release, while Gatusso remains in custody at Industrial Area Remand Prison.
During earlier hearings, the child’s mother, Beatrice Awuor, denied claims of any romantic involvement with Gatusso. She explained that while they lived in the same plot and occasionally exchanged greetings, she had no personal relationship with him. She, however, admitted that her long-time friend and co-accused, Aoko, had told her that Gatusso was interested in pursuing a relationship.
Another witness, Nicholas Onyango, a vendor in the estate, testified that he was with Awuor on the night of the incident until around 5 am when they parted ways. He recalled waking up later to news that a child had been killed in the neighbourhood, who turned out to be Awuor’s daughter.
So far, five witnesses have testified, with five more expected before the prosecution closes its case. The hearing continues on October 23
