NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and two co-accused have been found guilty over the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno, bringing to a close a nearly eight-year legal battle that has remained one of Kenya’s most closely watched criminal cases.
The High Court at Milimani delivered the long-awaited judgment on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in the case involving Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo, and former Migori County clerk Caspal Obiero.
The three were accused of orchestrating the killing of Sharon, whose body was discovered in September 2018 after she was abducted alongside journalist Barrack Oduor in Homa Bay County.
The case attracted nationwide attention because of Obado’s position as a sitting governor at the time of the alleged offence and the circumstances surrounding Sharon’s death.
Justice Cecilia Githua had earlier ruled that the prosecution had established sufficient evidence requiring the accused persons to defend themselves, allowing the trial to proceed to the final stage.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence from dozens of witnesses and multiple exhibits as they sought to link the accused persons to Sharon’s abduction and killing.
The defence, however, denied involvement and argued that the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Obado maintained that he was innocent and had no role in Sharon’s death.
The judgment marks a major moment in a case that has generated public debate on justice for victims of gender-based violence and accountability involving powerful individuals.
Sharon Otieno was 26 years old when she was killed.
Her death sparked national outrage and renewed calls for stronger protection of women facing violence.
