Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado will have to wait until November 27 to learn his sentence in the murder of journalism student Sharon Otieno after the High Court concluded hearing submissions from the prosecution, defence and Sharon’s family. Her parents have asked the court to consider reconciliation and a non-custodial sentence, while prosecutors urged the judge to consider the seriousness and alleged planning behind the killing.
Highlights
- Obado’s sentencing has been postponed to November 27.
- Sharon Otieno’s mother asked the court for a non-custodial sentence.
- The family told the court they had forgiven the former governor.
- Prosecutors said the offence was premeditated and involved coordinated conduct.
- The court will consider submissions before determining the sentence.
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Obado Sentencing Deferred
The High Court has deferred the sentencing of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado to November 27 following submissions in the case involving the murder of Sharon Otieno.
The judge is expected to consider the arguments presented by the prosecution, defence and Sharon’s family before determining the appropriate punishment for Obado and his co-convicts, Caspal Obiero and Michael Oyamo.
All three were convicted in connection with Sharon’s murder.
Sharon’s Mother Pleads for Leniency
During the sentencing proceedings, Sharon’s mother, Melida Auma, made an emotional appeal asking the court not to send Obado to prison.
Auma told the court that Sharon’s family had forgiven the former governor and asked the judge to consider a non-custodial sentence.
She said imposing a lengthy or severe prison sentence on Obado would add to the pain she had already experienced following the death of her daughter.
The family also pointed to what they described as Obado’s remorse during the proceedings and following Sharon’s death.
Family Seeks Reconciliation
Through their lawyer, Sharon’s parents told the court that they were seeking reconciliation and wanted the judge to take their position into account during sentencing.
The family said their relationship with Obado had previously been cordial, including during the period when Sharon was alive.
Their plea comes after the court heard submissions on the punishment facing the three men convicted in the case.
Prosecution Urges Court to Consider Gravity of Offence
While acknowledging the family’s position, the prosecution maintained that the final decision on sentencing rests with the court.
The State argued that the case involved an offence against the state and urged the judge to consider the seriousness of the crime when determining the punishment.
Prosecutors described the killing as premeditated and argued that the three convicts acted together, with each allegedly playing a different role in the events surrounding Sharon’s death.
The State further argued that the level of planning involved increased the culpability of the three men.
Court to Weigh Aggravating Circumstances
Prosecutors also told the court that the convicts were public employees, associates and people known to Sharon.
The State noted that there was no evidence presented to show that Sharon had acted in self-defence.
On their criminal records, prosecutors indicated that the three could be considered first offenders, but urged the court to assess that factor alongside the circumstances surrounding the offence.
The judge will now consider all the submissions before returning to court on November 27 for sentencing.
For Sharon Otieno’s family, the sentencing proceedings have brought another difficult chapter in a case that has remained in the public spotlight for years.
