Former Migori Governor Ooth Obado (Right) with his aides MichaelOyamo and Caspal Obiero during a past eharing./POOL
Press Release: High Court to Rule on Whether Ex-Migori Governor Okoth Obado and Two Others Will Face Defence Over Murder of Sharon Otieno
December 6, 2024
Nairobi, Kenya – The High Court is set to rule on January 30, 2025, whether former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and two co-accused, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, will be placed on their defence over the brutal murder of Sharon Otieno and her unborn child in 2018.
This follows submissions made by the parties in the case on Friday morning, with Obado’s legal team requesting the court to acquit him, arguing that there is no sufficient evidence linking him to the murder. The three accused are facing charges related to the killing of Sharon, who was found dead on September 3, 2018, in Homa Bay County, with her unborn baby also dying due to the brutal attack.
Details of the Murder:
Sharon Otieno, a 26-year-old woman, was found with seven stab wounds and two slash wounds. The most severe stab wound went through her abdomen, killing the unborn child. According to government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, the baby died due to sharp abdominal trauma, while Sharon succumbed to severe hemorrhage caused by penetrating trauma. She also had multiple cuts on her neck, stomach, back, and limbs.
The prosecution has presented expert medical and forensic evidence to demonstrate the violent nature of the murder. However, Obado’s defence team, led by Senior Counsel Kiko Kilukumi and Rodgers Sagana, has challenged the case, claiming that the evidence does not connect their client to the crime.
Obado’s Defence:
In their submissions, Obado’s lawyers argue that the entire case is based on circumstantial evidence and the nature of his relationship with Sharon. Kilukumi stated that while Obado had a sexual relationship with Sharon, which was known publicly, there is no direct evidence linking him to her death. He emphasized that Obado had taken responsibility for Sharon’s pregnancy and had been providing her with financial support, including monthly upkeep payments and plans to buy her a home in Homa Bay.
Kilukumi further argued that the prosecution’s case hinges on a narrative of events involving other individuals, including four men who allegedly killed Sharon. Notably, one of the individuals, Jackson Gombe, a taxi driver, allegedly ferried Sharon to the crime scene but has not been charged in connection with the murder. Kilukumi questioned why Gombe was not charged if he played a role in the killing, urging the court to examine the circumstances and the evidence at hand before making a ruling.
Prosecution’s Case:
On the other hand, the prosecution contends that there is a clear chain of events, supported by forensic and medical evidence, linking Obado and the other accused to the murder. They pointed to the actions of Michael Oyamo, Obado’s Personal Assistant, who allegedly fabricated a story about being kidnapped on the same night Sharon was killed, which they claim was intended to conceal his involvement in the crime.
The prosecution argues that the evidence provided by expert witnesses, including DNA tests and testimony from key witnesses, shows a coordinated effort by the accused to abduct Sharon and her unborn child before ultimately killing them. They insist that the court has enough evidence to place the accused on their defence.
Next Steps:
The High Court will now determine if the evidence presented by the prosecution is sufficient to warrant the accused standing trial for the murder. If the court finds that there is a case to answer, Obado, Oyamo, and Obiero will be required to defend themselves against the accusations. However, if the court determines that the evidence is insufficient, the accused will be acquitted.
The court is expected to deliver its ruling on January 30, 2025, which will be a crucial moment in the high-profile case that has attracted widespread public attention.
End
byronian4@gmail.com
About the Author
