Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado is set to appear in court today as he begins his defense in the high-profile murder trial of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno. Obado, alongside his aides Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, was ruled to have a case to answer in connection to Sharon’s brutal killing.
Last month, Trial Judge Cecilia Githua determined that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the three, necessitating their defense. This ruling marked a significant turn in a case that has gripped the nation since Sharon’s murder in September 2018.
Sharon, who was found dead in Kodera Forest, had been abducted days earlier. The prosecution alleged that Obado and his aides orchestrated the abduction and subsequent murder to cover up a relationship between Obado and the deceased. Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and phone records to support their claims.
However, in a partial reprieve for the accused, Justice Githua acquitted them of the charge of killing Sharon’s unborn baby. At the time of her death, Sharon was 28 weeks pregnant. The judge ruled that, under the born-alive principle, a charge of murder could not be sustained for the foetus since it had not been born yet.
“I have considered these submissions and I’m in agreement that indeed the evidence adduced by the prosecution in support of baby Sharon does not support the charge of murder,” said Justice Githua in her ruling.
With the court’s determination that Obado, Oyamo, and Obiero have a case to answer, the defense phase of the trial is set to commence. Today’s court session will be a procedural mention to schedule hearing dates for the defense to present their testimonies. The accused are expected to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, present their version of events, and possibly call witnesses to support their case.
The trial has been closely followed due to the involvement of a high-profile political figure and the gruesome nature of the crime. Public interest remains high, with many awaiting the next phase of court proceedings.
As the wheels of justice continue to turn, the upcoming defense testimonies will be crucial in determining the fate of Obado and his co-accused. The court will ultimately decide whether the evidence presented by the defense is sufficient to counter the prosecution’s claims, or if the accused will be convicted for their alleged roles in the murder of Sharon Otieno.
