NAIROBI, Kenya — The sentencing of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his two co-convicts has been temporarily delayed after the parents of murdered university student Sharon Otieno asked the High Court for an interpreter to enable them to address the court.
Obado, Michael Juma Oyamo and Caspal Ojwang Obiero appeared before Justice Cecilia Githua on Wednesday, September 16, for mitigation and sentencing after being convicted over Sharon’s 2018 murder.
The hearing was adjourned after Sharon’s parents sought an opportunity to personally address the court before sentencing proceeds. Reports indicate that they requested interpretation in Dholuo.
Sharon’s Parents Seek Chance to Address Court
The court was informed that Sharon’s parents had not filed their own victim impact statement ahead of the sentencing hearing.
Their lawyer told the court that the family had been advised by the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) not to file submissions, although the reason for the advice was not immediately disclosed.
The development prompted the court to temporarily halt proceedings to ensure an interpreter would be available for the parents’ participation.
The arrangement is intended to allow the victims’ family to communicate directly with the court before the three convicts are sentenced.
ODPP Already Filed Victim Impact Reports
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had already filed victim impact reports relating to the three convicts.
Earlier reports presented to the court detailed the financial and emotional toll Sharon’s death and the prolonged criminal proceedings had taken on her family.
Family Spent Sh4.7 Million During Case
Sharon’s family has previously told the court that it incurred about Sh4.7 million during the nearly eight-year legal battle.
The expenditure included costs associated with attending court proceedings and funeral expenses, with the family saying it had been forced to sell property and livestock to meet some of the costs.
The family has also raised concerns about the long-term needs of Sharon’s children and other relatives following her death.
Obado and Two Others Convicted in July
Justice Githua convicted Obado, Oyamo and Obiero on July 23, 2026, after finding that the prosecution had proved the murder case against them beyond reasonable doubt.
The High Court found the three guilty of Sharon’s murder following a trial that examined circumstantial and other evidence linking them to the killing.
Sharon was murdered in September 2018 after she went missing while pregnant.
The court subsequently cancelled the three men’s bond terms and ordered that they remain in custody pending mitigation and sentencing.
Court to Consider Mitigation Before Sentencing
The sentencing process will consider the prosecution’s submissions, mitigation by the convicted men, pre-sentencing reports and information concerning the impact of the crime on Sharon’s family.
The High Court had earlier directed that the relevant reports be prepared before sentencing could take place.
The court has not yet imposed sentences on Obado, Oyamo or Obiero.
Family Reconciliation Efforts
Sharon’s family has also been involved in reconciliation efforts with members of Obado’s family.
Members of the former governor’s family met Sharon’s parents in August as the sentencing date approached.
The reconciliation efforts have taken place separately from the criminal proceedings and do not alter the convictions already entered against Obado and his two co-convicts.
The sentencing hearing is expected to resume once the court makes arrangements for an interpreter, allowing Sharon’s parents to participate before Justice Githua determines the sentences.
