NAIROBI, Kenya – The High Court is set to deliver its long-awaited judgment in the murder case of Sharon Otieno on Thursday, July 23, 2026, marking a significant milestone in one of Kenya’s most closely followed criminal trials.
Ahead of the ruling, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) announced that it continues to stand with Sharon Otieno’s family, whom it has represented by watching brief throughout the proceedings, as they seek justice for the slain journalist and her unborn child.
The judgment will be delivered at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi in the case of Republic v Obado & 2 Others (Criminal Case 46 of 2018).
A Case That Captured National Attention
Sharon Otieno was abducted on September 3, 2018, before her body, together with that of her unborn child, was discovered a day later in a thicket near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County.
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, alongside Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, was subsequently charged with her murder. The case has remained in the public spotlight due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the circumstances surrounding Sharon’s death.
Prosecution Presented 42 Witnesses
According to FIDA-Kenya, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) presented evidence from 42 prosecution witnesses during the trial.
The evidence included witness testimonies, mobile phone call records, SMS messages and WhatsApp communications, which prosecutors relied on to build their case.
FIDA-Kenya noted that among the witnesses were PW9 and PW38, whose testimony allegedly placed one of the accused among the individuals seen with Sharon Otieno during her abduction and in the period leading up to her death.
COVID-19 Delays Prolonged the Trial
The women’s rights organisation acknowledged that the case took several years to conclude, partly because of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected court operations across the country.
Despite the prolonged proceedings, FIDA-Kenya said Sharon Otieno’s family remained steadfast in pursuing justice through the legal process.
FIDA-Kenya Expresses Confidence in the Court
As the country awaits Thursday’s judgment, FIDA-Kenya reaffirmed its confidence in Kenya’s judicial system and expressed hope that the decision would be based strictly on the evidence presented during the trial and the applicable law.
The organisation also pledged to continue supporting Sharon Otieno’s family throughout the process and indicated that it will issue a further statement after the High Court delivers its judgment.
