Court cancels Obado, co-accused bond, remands them pending sentencing

The High Court in Nairobi has cancelled the bond terms of former Migori Governor Zachary Obado and his co-accused pending their sentencing.

Justice Cecilia Githua said the court will issue further directions after reviewing the pre-sentence and victim assessment reports, which she directed be filed within 21 days.

"We can get a date after the 21 days when the matter can be mentioned to confirm that those directions have been complied with," the judge said.

"Pending that mention date, the accused persons shall be remanded in custody as their bonds have been cancelled."

Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori county clerk Caspal Obiero were earlier found guilty of the murder of university student Sharon Otieno.

The defence teams had filed an application seeking an extension of their bond terms.

However, Justice Githua said the court will determine that application after the expiry of the 21-day period.

The court also ruled that it will set a sentencing date after the reports have been filed and their compliance confirmed.

"We can get a date for the mention first so that we confirm that the documents are filed, so that we can now take a date for the sentencing hearing knowing that the documents are ready," Justice Githua said.

She said it would be futile for the court to fix a sentencing date before confirming that the probation officers had complied with the order to file the required reports.

"The reason I gave 21 days is because I thought we could expedite them without having to give the period that is estimated... the time they usually take is 30 days."

The judge said all parties will be supplied with the judgment and adjourned proceedings.

"Those are the orders and the accused persons are hereby formally informed that they have a right to appeal," the judge ruled.