Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his two co-accused have been found guilty of the 2018 murder of university student Sharon Otieno.
In a judgement delivered on Thursday, July 23, Lady Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that the prosecution presented enough evidence linking Obado and his co-accused, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, to Otieno’s murder.
“It is therefore my finding that the prosecution has proved its case against the first, second and third accused persons beyond reasonable doubt. I consequently find each accused guilty of the offence of murder. Each accused is accordingly convicted,” Justice Githua ruled.
The High Court judge held that all three accused played distinct roles in the murder of the slain university student.
Justice Githua found that the evidence showed Obado had pressured Sharon to terminate her pregnancy and had allegedly sent her Ksh30,000, an offer she rejected.
According to the court, the money was not an act of goodwill but an attempt to silence Sharon and prevent their relationship from becoming public.
“It cannot be a mere coincidence that the first accused developed renewed interest in the deceased when she threatened to publicise their affair,” the judge stated.
The court further found that Oyamo orchestrated the meeting at Graca Hotel under the guise of delivering money on Obado’s behalf, which ultimately led to Sharon’s abduction.
Justice Githua also ruled that Obiero played a role in the events surrounding Sharon’s abduction and subsequent murder.
Following the conviction, the judge revoked the bond terms granted to Obado and his co-accused and ordered that they remain in custody pending sentencing.
The judge ordered that the trio remain in custody for 21 days as they await further directions from the court on mitigation and sentencing.
The case dates back to September 4, 2018, when Sharon Otieno was allegedly abducted alongside Nation Media Group journalist Barrack Oduor after they left a hotel in Rongo, Migori County.
Oduor managed to escape by jumping from the moving vehicle, while Sharon was later found murdered near Kodera Forest in Uriri, Homa Bay County.
