Nairobi, Kenya – January 30, 2025
The High Court has ruled that former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, along with his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori County clerk Caspal Obiero, has a case to answer in the brutal murder of Sharon Otieno.
Justice Cecilia Githua delivered the ruling today, stating that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence linking the three accused to the 2018 killing of Sharon Otieno, a university student who was found murdered in Homa Bay County.
Key Findings in the Case
According to the ruling, the court found that:
- There was enough evidence to prove that Sharon was abducted and later murdered.
- Former Governor Okoth Obado was directly linked to the case through forensic evidence and witness testimony.
- His former aides, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, were allegedly involved in orchestrating the kidnapping and execution of the victim.
📊 Visual Suggestion: Courtroom scene with a judge delivering the ruling.
Background of the Case
Sharon Otieno, a 26-year-old Rongo University student, was found dead in a forest in Homa Bay County in September 2018. An autopsy revealed that she was stabbed multiple times and had suffered severe injuries, leading to her death.
At the time of her murder, Sharon was reported to be pregnant with Governor Obado’s child. The prosecution argued that her pregnancy was a motive for the murder, as it allegedly threatened Obado’s political and personal reputation.
📊 Visual Suggestion: Timeline of key events in the case from 2018 to the present.
Prosecution’s Evidence
During the trial, the prosecution presented:
- Call records and text messages linking the accused to the abduction.
- Eyewitness accounts detailing how Sharon was kidnapped before her murder.
- Forensic evidence that allegedly placed the suspects at the crime scene.
Justice Githua stated that the accused must now defend themselves against the evidence presented.
📊 Visual Suggestion: Table summarizing key evidence against each suspect.
| Accused | Key Evidence Presented |
|---|---|
| Okoth Obado | DNA evidence, call logs linking him to Sharon |
| Michael Oyamo | Witness testimony, phone records |
| Caspal Obiero | Vehicle tracking, involvement in planning |
What Happens Next?
With the ruling that the three have a case to answer, the trial will now move into the defense phase, where the accused will present their arguments.
🚨 Possible Outcomes:
✅ If found guilty – The accused face life imprisonment for murder.
✅ If found innocent – They will be acquitted.
📊 Visual Suggestion: Courtroom flowchart showing the next legal steps in the trial.
Reactions to the Ruling
📢 Prosecution: Welcomed the ruling, stating that justice for Sharon Otieno is closer.
📢 Defense Lawyers: Expressed confidence in their case, insisting their clients will be acquitted.
📢 Public Reaction: The ruling has sparked debates on justice, power, and accountability in Kenya.
Conclusion
With the High Court ruling that Obado, Oyamo, and Obiero have a case to answer, Kenya now awaits the next phase of the trial. Will justice be served for Sharon Otieno? The case continues to unfold.
📌 Stay updated for more developments on this case.