The trial of Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado over the murder of university student Sharon Otieno has been pushed to May 6.
The case was scheduled to proceed for hearing the whole of this week but was adjourned after one of the accused persons was bereaved.
The court heard that Caspal Obiero lost his wife and child in a road accident in March this year.
"The accident happened in March and the reason as to why they are burying the two people in May is because of financial issues and also the Luo culture which has pre and post-rituals to be performed especially when you lose a wife," the court heard.
Advocate Meso Ogada and Elisha Ongoya told trial Judge Cecilia Githua that Obiero was unable to appear in court and participate in the proceedings as he was preparing for the funeral.
He requested the court and the prosecution to indulge him as he worked on giving his family a befitting send-off.
The prosecution was not opposed to the matter being adjourned.
Justice Githua subsequently directed the matter resume for hearing on May 6 saying "having heard from Obieros advocate, and othe counsels, I allow the application as prayer and vacate the hearing dates"
In closing, the Judge conveyed her sympathies to the accused.
In the case, Obado, his personal assistant Michael Oyamo and clerk Caspal Obiero are on trial over the murder of Sharon and her unborn baby that took place on 3 September 2018 Homa Bay County.
Results of a DNA test conducted on the foetus showed that Obado was the father of Sharon's unborn child.
