Obado to Face Trial Over Sharon Otieno’s Murder, Court Declares

Okoth Obado to Face Trial Over Sharon Otieno’s Murder, Court Declares

Nairobi – Former Migori governor Okoth Obado must face trial for the brutal murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno. The High Court ruled on Thursday, January 30, that Obado, along with his personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former county employee Caspal Obiero, has a case to answer.

Justice Cecilia Githua stated that the prosecution had presented enough evidence to warrant placing the trio on their defense. “The evidence adduced by the prosecution has established a prima facie case. Therefore, the accused must defend themselves,” she ruled.

Court Acquits Obado on Murder of Unborn Baby

While Obado and his co-accused will answer for Sharon’s murder, the court dismissed charges regarding her unborn child’s death. Justice Githua cited the “born alive” principle, which requires a child to be born alive to be considered a victim of murder.

“I have considered the submissions and agree that the evidence presented does not support the charge of murdering baby Sharon,” she said.

DNA Test Confirms Obado as the Father

Earlier, a government DNA test confirmed that Obado fathered Sharon’s unborn child. The forensic report, presented in court, showed a 99.99% probability of paternity.

Forensic analyst John Mungai, testifying in July 2023, excluded Oyamo as the father. This revelation intensified the case, linking the ex-governor directly to the deceased and her unborn child.

Obado’s Defense: “I Was in an Open Relationship With Sharon”

Obado’s legal team, led by lawyer Kioko Kilukumi, insisted that he had no role in Sharon’s murder. The defense argued that the prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence.

“The real killers of Sharon remain unknown six years later. My client is being unfairly linked to this crime,” Kilukumi stated.

Obado’s defense further admitted that he had an open relationship with Sharon, and his family and colleagues knew about it. The former governor allegedly intended to support Sharon and her unborn baby. His lawyers said he had even committed to buying her a house and sending financial assistance.

A Long Road to Justice

Sharon Otieno was abducted and brutally murdered in September 2018. Her body was found dumped in Kodera Forest, Homa Bay County, with multiple stab wounds. Her case sparked national outrage and highlighted concerns over the safety of young women.

With the court’s latest ruling, Obado and his co-accused must now defend themselves in a full trial. Kenyans will be closely watching how justice unfolds for Sharon and her grieving family.

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Okoth Obado to Face Trial Over Sharon Otieno’s Murder, Court Declares