The family of the late Sharon Otieno has spoken about the pain they have carried for years as the High Court moves closer to sentencing those convicted of her murder.
Sharon’s father, Douglas Otieno, told the court why he has chosen to forgive former Migori Governor Okoth Obado but has not extended the same forgiveness to Obado’s co-accused, Michael Juma Oyamo and Caspal Obiero.
Douglas said Oyamo and Obiero were among the last people known to have met his daughter before her death. He also told the court that he felt they had not shown enough remorse over what happened.
“Oyamo and Casper are the people that met my daughter last. They are not remorseful,” Douglas said during the proceedings.
The emotional statement comes nearly eight years after Sharon was killed in September 2018. At the time of her death, Sharon was a 26-year-old Rongo University student and was pregnant.
The case has remained one of Kenya’s most closely followed murder cases. In July 2026, the High Court convicted Obado, Oyamo and Obiero after finding that the prosecution had proved the murder case against them beyond reasonable doubt.
The family has since been preparing for the sentencing stage while dealing with the financial and emotional effects of the long court battle.
A probation report filed before sentencing revealed that Sharon’s family had spent millions of shillings on funeral costs and expenses linked to attending court proceedings. The family also asked the court to consider compensation, saying Sharon’s children and other relatives continue to face financial difficulties.
Douglas’ decision to forgive Obado has therefore added another emotional dimension to the case.
As the High Court considers submissions from the family and other parties, attention remains focused on the sentence to be handed to the three convicted men.
For Sharon’s family, however, the court process is about more than punishment. It is also about finding a way to live with the loss of a daughter, mother and sister whose death changed their lives forever.