NAIROBI, Kenya — The mother of slain university student Sharon Otieno has pleaded with the High Court to spare former Migori Governor Okoth Obado a prison sentence, saying his imprisonment would amount to another death in her family.
Melinda Auma made the emotional appeal on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during mitigation and sentencing proceedings before Milimani High Court Judge Cecilia Githua.
Auma asked the court to consider a non-custodial sentence for Obado, who was convicted alongside his former personal assistant Michael Juma Oyamo and former Migori County official Caspal Ajwang Obiero over Sharon’s 2018 murder.
“Don’t crucify Governor Obado. If he goes for death or life sentencing, I’ll see another death in my life. Do me a favour; just don’t take him to jail,” Auma told the court.
Sharon’s Mother Says Family Has Forgiven Obado
Auma told the court that Sharon’s family had forgiven Obado and asked the judge to take that position into account when determining his sentence.
She said the family considered Obado to have shown remorse following Sharon’s death and during the court proceedings.
“Since the first accused (Obado) has been remorseful at the time of death and during court proceedings and is asking for forgiveness, we said as a family we have forgiven the first accused,” she said.
Through their lawyer, Sharon’s parents also asked the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, arguing that their relationship with Obado had remained cordial after their daughter’s death.
The lawyer urged the court to consider the emotional and psychological needs of victims alongside the legal aspects of sentencing.
Prosecution Says Parents Cannot Determine Sentence
The prosecution acknowledged Sharon’s parents’ right to address the court but maintained that the final decision on sentencing rests with the judge.
State counsel Gikui Gichuhi said the parents’ views were relevant but could not determine the sentence to be imposed.
“We don’t question the right of parents to speak their minds before this court. Their views are relevant, however, they don’t get to determine the sentence,” Gichuhi submitted.
She argued that the offence was against the State and the wider community and that the sentence should reflect its seriousness, serve a deterrent purpose and promote public confidence in the justice system.
Gichuhi further told the court that sentencing remained a judicial function and that the judge’s discretion had to be exercised in accordance with the Constitution and established legal principles.
Court to Consider Mitigating Circumstances
The prosecution listed several factors that may be considered during sentencing.
These include whether an accused is a first offender, previous character, whether there was a guilty plea or acceptance of responsibility, remorse, rehabilitation prospects and the circumstances surrounding the offence.
The prosecution also cited personal and family circumstances, time spent in custody and reconciliation efforts among factors that could be considered during mitigation.
The defence has separately sought leniency for Obado, while the former governor has maintained his innocence in relation to Sharon’s killing despite the conviction. Y News reported that Obado’s pre-sentence report included a request for a non-custodial sentence based on his personal circumstances and time spent facing the case.
Sharon’s Parents Seek Non-Custodial Sentence
The family’s lawyer argued that restorative justice should take account of the needs and views of victims when sentences are imposed.
The plea comes after Sharon’s family previously indicated openness to reconciliation with members of Obado’s family.
A victim impact report cited by the court showed that the family had suffered significant financial and emotional consequences since Sharon’s death. The family told the court it had spent about Sh1.2 million attending court proceedings and Sh3.5 million on funeral expenses, while also seeking assistance for Sharon’s children and other dependants.
Court Had Earlier Adjourned Hearing
The sentencing proceedings were briefly adjourned earlier on Wednesday after Sharon’s parents requested an interpreter so they could address the court.
The High Court subsequently allowed them an opportunity to make their submissions before the sentencing process proceeds.
The court is expected to consider the mitigation submissions, victim impact material and pre-sentence reports before determining the sentences for Obado, Oyamo and Obiero.
Obado and Two Others Convicted
Sharon, 26, was seven months pregnant when she was killed in September 2018. She was a second-year Rongo University student pursuing a diploma in Medical Records.
Her body was found in a thicket near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County after she was abducted alongside journalist Barrack Oduor, who escaped from the vehicle.
Justice Githua convicted Obado, Oyamo and Obiero on July 23, 2026, finding that the prosecution had established an unbroken chain of circumstantial evidence linking the three men to Sharon’s killing.
The three were subsequently remanded in custody after their bond terms were cancelled pending sentencing.
The High Court will now consider the competing submissions before determining the appropriate sentences.
