Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his two co-convicts returned to the Milimani High Court on Wednesday, September 16, as proceedings in the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno entered the sentencing stage.
However, the sentencing proceedings were temporarily interrupted after Sharon’s parents asked the court for a Dholuo interpreter, saying they wanted to personally address Justice Cecilia Githua but did not fully understand English. The court adjourned briefly to facilitate the interpreter.
When the proceedings resumed, Sharon’s parents made an emotional appeal for leniency towards Obado.
Her mother, Melida Auma, pleaded with the court not to impose a prison or death sentence on the former governor, saying such a punishment would cause her further pain.
Auma told the court that the family had forgiven Obado and asked that he be considered for a non-custodial sentence. Through their lawyer, the family said Obado had sought reconciliation and that they wished to maintain a relationship with him, including having him support Sharon’s four children.
Sharon’s father, Douglas Zachariah Otieno, also told the court that he had forgiven Obado and would not oppose a non-custodial sentence for him, which he attributed to what he described as Obado’s remorse and efforts to reconcile with the family.
His position, however, was different regarding Obado’s two co-convicts, former personal assistant Michael Juma Oyamo and former Migori County official Caspal Ajwang Obiero. He expressed anger towards the two, saying he believed they had not shown remorse towards the family.
The prosecution opposed allowing the wishes of Sharon’s parents to determine the sentence. State counsel Gikui Gichuhi told the court that while the family had a right to express its views, sentencing remained the responsibility of the judge.
The prosecution urged the court to consider the seriousness of the offense, deterrence, and public confidence in the justice system. It also pointed to factors such as the circumstances of the offense, the convicts’ previous records, remorse, rehabilitation prospects, and time spent in custody.
Reports from the proceedings indicate that the prosecution has sought a deterrent sentence for Obado and his two co-convicts.
The three men were convicted on July 23, 2026, after Justice Cecilia Githua found them guilty of Sharon’s murder. The case arose from Sharon’s abduction and killing in September 2018.
The court is expected to consider the mitigation submissions, victim impact statement, and pre-sentence reports before determining the appropriate sentences.
Justice Githua has now set November 27, 2026, as the date when Obado, Oyamo, and Obiero will be sentenced.
