HOMA BAY, Kenya — Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has welcomed the High Court’s conviction of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his co-accused in the murder of Sharon Otieno, describing the verdict as a victory for justice and a testament to the integrity of Kenya’s Judiciary.
In a statement issued after the judgment, Wanga said the decision marked the culmination of one of the country’s most closely followed criminal trials and expressed confidence in the judicial process that led to the convictions.
“The High Court has delivered its verdict on the long-running murder case of Ms. Sharon Otieno, bringing an end to one of Kenya’s most high-profile criminal trials,” Wanga said.
The governor commended the Judiciary for what she described as a transparent, efficient, and impartial handling of the case throughout the years-long trial.
“As the Governor of Homa Bay County, where the murder took place and where Sharon was from, I commend the integrity, transparency, and efficiency with which this case has been handled,” she said.
Wanga added that the judgment would bring a measure of closure to Sharon’s family and resonate with many Kenyans who closely followed the case, particularly women and families seeking justice for victims of violence.
“I believe, along with other mothers, women, and all who closely followed this case, that the truth has emerged and that justice has finally been served,” she stated.
The High Court on Wednesday found Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo, and former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero guilty of the 2018 murder of Sharon Otieno, a student at Rongo University.
In her judgment, Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the three acted with a common intention in the killing.
Following the convictions, the court revoked the bond terms previously granted to the three convicts and ordered that they remain in custody pending sentencing.
Sharon Otieno was abducted in September 2018 while in the company of journalist Barrack Oduor before her body was later discovered in Homa Bay County. The case attracted widespread national attention because of the high-profile individuals involved and sparked renewed debate on gender-based violence, abuse of power and accountability.
The offence of murder is provided for under Sections 203 and 204 of the Penal Code, while criminal convictions must meet the constitutional threshold of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
The convicted persons retain the right to seek mitigation before sentencing and may appeal the High Court’s decision to the Court of Appeal in accordance with Kenyan law.