Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo, and former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero have been convicted of the murder of Sharon Otieno, bringing to a close one of Kenya’s longest-running and most closely followed criminal trials.
Justice Cecilia Githua delivered the landmark judgment at the Milimani High Court, finding that the prosecution had proved its case against all three accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.
The court ruled that the evidence presented throughout the lengthy trial established their involvement in the killing of Sharon Otieno, a former Rongo University student whose death shocked the nation in 2018.
Reading the judgment, Justice Githua declared that the prosecution had successfully met the legal threshold required in a murder case.
“It is therefore my finding that the prosecution has proved its case against the first, second and third accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.
I consequently find each accused guilty of the offence of murder. Each accused is accordingly convicted,” she ruled.
Sharon Otieno disappeared in September 2018 while pregnant before her body was discovered in Homa Bay County, triggering nationwide outrage and calls for justice.
The case attracted significant public attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and the complex investigations that followed.
The courtroom became emotional moments after the verdict was delivered.
A man seated in the public gallery broke down in tears as the convictions were announced, attracting the attention of those present.
Witnesses said he appeared deeply moved, repeatedly wiping away tears with a handkerchief while struggling to compose himself.
The man was later identified as Macalder Member of County Assembly Felix Okwanyo.
His emotional reaction quickly spread across social media, with many Kenyans discussing the touching moment alongside the court’s decision.
The prosecution maintained throughout the trial that the three men played key roles in Sharon’s murder, and the court agreed that the evidence presented was sufficient to sustain convictions.
With the guilty verdict now delivered, the case enters its final stage as the High Court prepares to sentence Obado, Oyamo, and Obiero.
The sentencing hearing is expected to determine the punishment each will receive under Kenyan law, marking the final chapter in a case that has remained in the national spotlight for nearly eight years.