The conviction of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his two co-accused in the murder of Sharon Otieno marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has said.
In a statement issued after the High Court at Milimani delivered its judgment on Wednesday, the ODPP said the ruling capped years of investigations and prosecution in one of Kenya's most closely watched murder cases.
"The conviction marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Sharon Otieno," the prosecution said.
Justice Cecilia Githua found Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Juma Oyamo and former Migori County clerk Casper Ojwang Obiero guilty of the murder of the 26-year-old university graduate, who was 28 weeks pregnant when she was abducted and killed in September 2018.
The ODPP said the prosecution had presented compelling evidence linking the three accused to the killing.
The case was led by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Wangui Gichuhi, who successfully argued that the prosecution had proved the murder charge beyond reasonable doubt.
"After carefully evaluating the evidence presented, the court found that the prosecution had discharged its legal burden of proof and consequently convicted all three accused persons of the offence of murder," the ODPP said.
Following the conviction, the prosecution successfully applied to have the three remain in custody pending sentencing.
The ODPP argued that, having been convicted of a capital offence, Obado, Oyamo and Obiero posed a flight risk and should not be released on bail or bond before sentencing.
The court agreed with the application and directed that the three remain in custody until August 18, 2026, when they are scheduled to be sentenced.
The Sharon Otieno case attracted widespread public attention after the former Rongo University student was abducted and brutally murdered in Homa Bay County while pregnant.
Her death sparked national outrage and renewed calls for justice for victims of gender-based violence.
The prosecution described the conviction as a reaffirmation of its commitment to professionally and impartially prosecuting serious criminal offences.
"It reaffirms the DPP's commitment to the professional, impartial and diligent prosecution of serious criminal offences and to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable in accordance with the law," the statement said.
The verdict brings to a close a trial that lasted several years and involved dozens of witnesses, forensic evidence and extensive legal arguments before the High Court found all three accused guilty of Sharon Otieno's murder.
