Kenya High Court: Okoth Obado to Face Sentencing September 16

• The High Court has set September 16, 2026, as the date for sentencing in the case of Okoth Obado and his co-accused.
• Obado is seeking a lenient sentence, citing factors such as his age, health, and lack of previous convictions.
• Sharon Otieno's family has filed a victim impact statement highlighting the emotional toll of her murder on her loved ones.
• The court will consider probation reports, a victim impact statement, and submissions from both sides before deciding on sentences.

The financial strain has been particularly severe, with the family spending approximately Sh4.7 million on expenses arising from the murder, funeral, and prolonged court proceedings.

The family of Sharon Otieno, the Rongo University student who was brutally murdered in September 2018, is still grappling with the aftermath of her death. The financial strain has been particularly severe, with the family spending approximately Sh4.7 million on expenses arising from the murder, funeral, and prolonged court proceedings. They have also had to sell a one-acre piece of land and a cow to meet some of these costs. In addition to the financial burden, the family has experienced trauma, anxiety, and psychological distress since Sharon's death, with her three children continuing to live without their mother. The victim impact statement filed by the family highlights the emotional toll of Sharon's murder on her loved ones, including her parents, siblings, and children.

Former Governor Okoth Obado is seeking a lenient sentence for his role in Sharon Otieno's murder. According to a pre-sentence social inquiry report tabled before the court, Obado presented several factors in support of leniency, including his age, health, lack of previous convictions, and compliance with bond terms during the lengthy period of his trial. However, Obado continues to deny participating in Sharon's murder, despite the High Court finding that he acted in concert with his co-accused, Michael Juma Oyamo and Caspal Ojwang Obiero. The report also notes that Obado expressed remorse over Sharon's death and was willing to support her family and pursue reconciliation.

The High Court has set September 16, 2026, as the date for sentencing in the case of Okoth Obado and his co-accused. The court will consider probation reports, a victim impact statement filed by Sharon's family, and submissions from both the prosecution and defense before deciding on the sentences. The judge has directed that the probation reports be served on all parties ahead of the hearing, and lawyers representing Sharon's family must file and serve a Victim Impact Statement on all parties within seven days.

Lawyers should note that the court has directed lawyers representing Sharon's family to file and serve a Victim Impact Statement on all parties within seven days, which may impact the sentencing decision.

Source: Original reporting via The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)