Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and two others convicted in Sharon Otieno murder case
via Tuko2 min read
The High Court has found former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo, and Caspal Obiero guilty of the 2018 murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno. Lady Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, concluding that the trio acted together in a coordinated plan that led to Otieno's death. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga welcomed the verdict, stating her belief that truth and justice have emerged in what was one of Kenya's most-watched criminal trials. The case garnered significant public attention due to Obado's profile as a sitting governor at the time of the killing. Sharon Otieno went missing on September 3, 2018, and her body, along with that of her unborn child, was discovered the following day in Homa Bay County. The prosecution presented 42 witnesses, including oral testimony and electronic evidence such as SMS, WhatsApp messages, and mobile call data. Justice Githua was satisfied that Obado had a motive and orchestrated Otieno's execution, with the evidence forming a complete chain pointing to the guilt of all three defendants.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
The Kenyan government has refuted claims that President William Ruto nominated Winnie Odinga, Junet Mohammed, Cleophas Malala, Koki Muli, and Dr Agnes Zani for Cabinet positions. This denial follows the circulation of a letter, purportedly dated July 23 and from the National Assembly clerk, requesting the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission EACC to vet these individuals for various ministries. The alleged letter suggested Winnie Odinga for Tourism and Wildlife, Junet Mohammed for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Cleophas Malala for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Koki Muli for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, and Dr Agnes Zani for ICT and Digital Economy. However, the EACC has since dismissed the letter as a forgery, stating they received no such communication from the National Assembly clerk's office. This incident occurred amidst recent changes within the Executive, including the reassignment of principal secretaries and the appointment of a new government spokesperson.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a forecast indicating rainfall in at least 20 counties over the next 24 hours, with wet and cool weather persisting across the country. The forecast, issued at 3pm on Thursday, July 24, covers the period from 9pm Thursday to 9pm Friday. Conditions will vary, from light showers in some highland counties to thunderstorms in parts of western Kenya and the Rift Valley. Counties expecting rainfall include Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Bomet, Nyamira, Embu, Nyeri, Nairobi, Taita Taveta, and Nyandarua. Nairobi residents can expect a partly cloudy night, followed by cloudy skies with sunny intervals in the morning, and light showers in the afternoon, with temperatures between 13掳C and 25掳C. Nyandarua is forecast to have colder conditions, potentially dipping to 9掳C. Strong winds exceeding 25 knots are also forecast for northern and coastal counties such as Marsabit, Mombasa, and Lamu.
Must ReadMigori governor Ochilo Ayacko has offered condolences to the family of the late Sharon Otieno following the conviction of former governor Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo, and Caspal Obiero for her 2018 murder. A Nairobi court found the three guilty of the killing, which occurred in September 2018 near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay county. Ayacko described the verdict as a "painful moment" for all involved, extending prayers to Sharon's family for strength and comfort. He also acknowledged the difficult time for the families of the convicted individuals, offering his thoughts and prayers to them as they confront the judgment. Lady Justice Cecilia Githua of Milimani Law Courts delivered the conviction, stating that the prosecution proved the trio's involvement, with Obado financing the killing, Oyamo playing a central role, and Obiero participating in concealing the offense. The court found their collective conduct demonstrated common intention and malice aforethought. The accused have been remanded, and their bond conditions canceled, as they await sentencing. Pre-sentence and victim impact assessment reports have been ordered and must be filed within 21 days before a sentencing hearing is scheduled.