The High Court has set November 27, 2026, as the date when it will deliver its ruling on the sentence to be imposed on former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his two co-accused in the murder of Sharon Otieno.Justice Cecilia Githua announced the date on Wednesday, September 16, after hearing mitigation submissions from the defence, prosecution and Sharon’s family at the Milimani Law Courts.
The judge said she would consider the submissions presented before making a determination on the appropriate sentences. The ruling will be delivered at 10:30am.
The sentencing hearing followed the conviction of Obado, Michael Juma Oyamo and Caspal Ojwang’ Obiero over the 2018 murder of Sharon Otieno.
During the proceedings, members of Sharon’s family made emotional submissions to the court, highlighting the impact of her death and the challenges they have faced since she was killed.
Sharon’s mother, Melida Auma, asked the court not to “crucify” Obado, saying a non-custodial sentence could allow him to help support the three children Sharon left behind.
Her father, Douglas Otieno, also told the court that Obado had sent relatives to his home after the judgment in an attempt to reconcile the families.
He said the gesture showed remorse and influenced his view that a non-custodial sentence would be acceptable for the former governor.However, Douglas expressed stronger feelings towards Obado’s co-accused, saying he remained bitter when seeing Oyamo and Obiero in court.
Sharon, who was 26 and seven months pregnant, was abducted in September 2018 before her body was discovered in Homa Bay County.
With all submissions now on record, the court has adjourned the matter until November 27, when Justice Githua is expected to pronounce the sentences.