Thursday 24, July 2026, the day when one of Kenya’s most high profile murder trials came to a sad ending for former Migori governor Okoth Obado but a huge relief for the family of the late Sharon Otieno.
Zacharia Okoth Obado and his two co-accused for the brutal 2018 killing of university student Sharon Otieno.
At the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, Justice Cecilia Githua delivered a landmark judgment, finding Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Juma Oyamo, and former county clerk Caspal Ojwang Obiero guilty of murdering the 26-year-old Rongo University student.
The court ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that the trio acted in concert through a common criminal.
Justice Githua highlighted compelling circumstantial evidence, noting that Obado had a strong motive tied to his extramarital affair with Sharon and fears of reputational damage from public exposure.
The judge emphasized that physical presence at the crime scene is not required for criminal liability under Kenyan law, particularly Section 20 of the Penal Code.
It was clear that he was involved in planing and facilitating the murder while he was in Nairobi.
Oyamo was found to have executed the crime, and Obiero assistance in concealing the plot.
During trial, the high court heard that Sharon Otieno was abducted on the night of September 3-4, 2018, in the Owade area of Homa Bay County, alongside journalist Barrack Oduor who managed to escape.
er body was discovered the next day in a thicket near River Owade, showing signs of severe trauma, including stab wounds and strangulation.
She was 28 weeks pregnant at the time; the court had previously acquitted the accused on a separate count related to the unborn child due to legal technicalities around the “born alive” principle.
The trial spanned 8 years, involving 42 prosecution witnesses and 81 exhibits, drawing intense public scrutiny over issues of political power, gender-based violence, and accountability.
“We can get a date after the 21 days when the matter can be mentioned to confirm that those directions have been complied with,” the judge said
“Pending that mention date, the accused persons shall be remanded in custody as their bonds have been cancelled.”
Justice Githua stated that application to extend their bond terms will be determined after the expiry of the 21-day period.
“We can get a date for the mention first so that we confirm that the documents are filed, so that we can now take a date for the sentencing hearing knowing that the documents are ready,” Justice Githua said.
Further, she elaborated that the 21 days given were meant to expedite them without having to give the period that is estimated, usually 30 days.”
She further directed that all parties will be supplied with the judgment and adjourned proceedings.
“Those are the orders and the accused persons are hereby formally informed that they have a right to appeal,” the judge ruled.
Following the verdict on July 23, heavy security remained at the Milimani Law Courts amid heightened emotions. Mixed reactions were witnessed.
Sharon’s family expressed relief after years of waiting for justice. Women’s rights groups, including FIDA-Kenya, hailed the outcome as a victory against impunity and a signal that powerful individuals are not above the law.
Sentencing is pending.
