The High Court in Nairobi has scheduled November 27, 2026, as the date for sentencing former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Juma Oyamo, and former Migori County Clerk Casper Ojwang Obiero. The trio was convicted for the murder of Sharon Belyne Otieno, a case that has drawn significant public attention due to its high-profile nature and the brutal circumstances surrounding the crime.
Justice Cecilia Githua delivered the verdict on July 23, 2026, concluding that the prosecution had successfully demonstrated the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. The case revolved around the tragic death of Sharon Otieno, a 26-year-old Rongo University student and mother, who was abducted on September 3, 2018, while she was 28 weeks pregnant. Her lifeless body, along with that of her unborn child, was discovered in a thicket near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County the following day, a discovery that shocked the nation and sparked widespread calls for justice.
The court's findings indicated that Obado, Oyamo, and Obiero were part of a conspiracy involving other individuals who were not present in court. Justice Githua pointed out that Obado was the mastermind, providing the motive, instigation, and financial backing for the heinous act. Oyamo played a crucial role in facilitating the execution of the crime, while Obiero was instrumental in offering logistical support and aiding in the concealment of the crime.
The prosecution's case was bolstered by a combination of witness testimonies and electronic evidence, including mobile phone records, SMS messages, and WhatsApp conversations. This evidence was meticulously presented over a trial period that spanned nearly eight years, reflecting the complexity and gravity of the case.
As the sentencing date approaches, the convicts await the court's decision on their fate. During the mitigation proceedings held on Wednesday, Sharon Otieno's parents made a surprising appeal for leniency towards Obado, with her mother expressing that the family had forgiven him. Despite this plea for mercy, the prosecution has urged the court to impose sentences that adequately reflect the severity of the offence, underscoring the need for justice for Sharon and her unborn child.
The upcoming sentencing on November 27, 2026, is expected to be a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for Sharon Otieno, as the court balances the calls for leniency with the demands for a sentence that matches the gravity of the crime committed.
