High Court sets September 2026 sentencing date for former Migori governor Okoth Obado in Sharon Otieno murder case
The High Court has scheduled September 16, 2026, for the sentencing of former Migori governor Zachary Okoth Obado and two co-convicts, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, for the 2018 murder of university student Sharon Otieno. Justice Cecilia Githua confirmed the date after a probation officer presented a victim impact report detailing the effects of Sharon's killing on her family. The court will consider this report along with sentencing submissions from both the prosecution and defense. Obado, his former personal assistant Oyamo, and former Migori county clerk Obiero were found guilty on July 23. The court determined that Obado provided the motive, instigation, and funds for the killing, Oyamo facilitated the execution, and Obiero offered logistical support and helped conceal the crime. The prosecution's case relied on 42 witnesses and circumstantial evidence. Sharon's family, who spent approximately KSh 4.7 million over the nearly eight-year legal battle, forcing them to sell land and livestock, is seeking compensation for these expenses. They also request the car and house Obado had reportedly promised their late daughter. A postmortem revealed Sharon was strangled and died from excessive bleeding due to multiple stab wounds. She was pregnant with Obado's child, and the court found the murder was an attempt to avoid public shame. All three convicts will remain in custody until the sentencing hearing.
