Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his two co-accused, Michael Juma Oyamo and Caspal Ajwang Obiero, are set to appear before the High Court today for mitigation and sentencing following their conviction for the murder of university student Sharon Otieno.
Sharon’s family has urged the court to consider the devastating impact of her death, including the financial losses suffered by the family and the welfare of her children.
Sharon, 26, was seven months pregnant when she was killed in September 2018. She was a second-year student at Rongo University, pursuing a diploma in Medical Records.
She left behind children who are now aged between nine and 12 and have grown up without their mother.
The sentencing comes after the High Court convicted Obado, his former personal assistant Oyamo and Obiero, finding that the prosecution had proved the murder case against all three beyond reasonable doubt.
In its judgment, the court found that the three acted in concert, with each playing a distinct role in the commission of the offence.
The court held that Obado financed the execution of the crime, Oyamo played a key role in carrying it out, while Obiero participated in concealing the offence.
Justice Cecilia Githua further found that their actions demonstrated a common intention and amounted to malice aforethought.
The judge rejected the argument that Obado's absence from Migori County on the day Sharon was killed shielded him from criminal responsibility. The court found that evidence showed he was involved in planning and facilitating the murder while he was in Nairobi.
The court ultimately concluded that there was overwhelming evidence linking all three accused to Sharon’s death and convicted them of murder.
During today’s proceedings, the accused are expected to present their mitigation before the court determines the sentences to be imposed.
