The long-running murder case involving former Migori Governor Okoth Obado has reached a major turning point after the High Court convicted him and two others over the killing of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno. The court ruled that prosecutors had presented enough evidence to prove that the accused were involved in planning and executing the murder.
Highlights
- Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero were convicted of murder.
- Court ruled the three acted together with different roles.
- Obado was found to have financed the crime.
- Oyamo was linked to organising the execution of the plan.
- Obiero was found to have helped conceal the offence.
Main Story
High Court Finds Obado and Co-Accused Guilty
The High Court has convicted former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero for the murder of Sharon Otieno.
Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding that the three accused persons worked together in committing the offence.
The court said the evidence showed that each accused played a different role in the crime, but their actions were connected by a common intention.
Court Details Roles of the Accused
According to the judgment, Obado was found to have provided financial support for the execution of the murder.
Oyamo, who was Obado’s personal assistant at the time, was found to have played a key role in organising and facilitating the events leading to Sharon’s death.
The court also ruled that Obiero participated in efforts to conceal the crime after it happened.
The judge stated that the actions of the three demonstrated planning and malice aforethought, which are key elements required to prove a murder charge.
Obado’s Absence Did Not Shield Him
The court dismissed arguments that Obado could not have been involved because he was not physically present in Migori on the day Sharon was killed.
Justice Githua said being away from the scene did not remove criminal responsibility, noting that evidence showed he was involved in planning and supporting the actions that led to the murder while he was in Nairobi.
A Case That Drew National Attention
Sharon Otieno’s murder attracted national attention after the university student was found dead in 2018.
The case raised questions about political influence, power and the safety of women, especially after details surrounding her final moments emerged during court proceedings.
After years of hearings, the High Court has now determined that the evidence presented connected the three accused persons to her death.
Court’s Final Finding
The court concluded that the prosecution had established all elements of the murder offence and found Obado, Oyamo and Obiero guilty.
The three will now await sentencing after the conviction.
After years of waiting, the verdict marks a significant moment in a case that tested Kenya’s justice system and kept the country searching for answers.
