Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, alongside his co-accused Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, has been found guilty in the 2018 murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday July 23, 2026, by Justice Cecilia Githua at the Milimani High Court, concludes nearly eight years of investigations and court proceedings into the killing that sparked widespread public outrage across the country.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Githua held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding that the evidence established the three accused acted in concert, with each playing a distinct role in the commission of the offence.
The court found that Obado was responsible for facilitating and financing the commission of the offence, while Oyamo was instrumental in its execution. Obiero, the court held, played a role in efforts to conceal the crime after it had been committed.
Githua concluded that the conduct of the three accused demonstrated a common intention to commit the offence and satisfied the legal threshold for malice aforethought.
“I am satisfied that the circumstances presented in this case, taken cumulatively, form a chain so complete that there is no escape from the conclusion that the accused persons, jointly with others not before the court, committed the offence,” Justice Githua ruled.
She further held that the evidence adduced during the trial overwhelmingly pointed to the guilt of all three accused, finding that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“The evidence on record irresistibly points to the fact that the accused persons, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of Sharon,” the Judge said.
“It is therefore my finding that the prosecution has proved its case against the first, second and third accused persons beyond reasonable doubt. I consequently find each accused person guilty of the offence of murder contrary to Section 203 of the Penal Code,” she added.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Cecilia Githua at the Milimani High Court, concludes nearly eight years of investigations and court proceedings into the killing that sparked widespread public outrage across the country.
The court’s decision followed the hearing of testimony from dozens of prosecution witnesses, the presentation of numerous exhibits, and final submissions by both the prosecution and defence.
Sharon Otieno was abducted on September 3, 2018, before her body was discovered the following day in Homa Bay County. Her death drew national attention due to allegations linking the case to senior political figures and the revelation that she had been in a relationship with Migori ex governor Okoth Obado.
