Editor's Review
The mother of Sharon Otieno has pleaded with the court not to impose a custodial sentence on former Migori Governor Okoth Obado ahead of his sentencing in the case.
The mother of slain Rongo University student Sharon Otieno has pleaded with the court not to impose a custodial sentence on former Migori Governor Okoth Obado ahead of his sentencing in the case.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 16, Melida Auma highlighted the impact of Sharon’s death and the responsibility of caring for the three children she left behind.
Auma said she had struggled to care for the children throughout the period since Sharon’s death, and appealed to the court to consider Obado’s ability to support them if he is given a non-custodial sentence.
She argued that a non-custodial sentence would allow Obado to contribute towards the welfare of Sharon’s children.
"Don't crucify Obado in this case; Sharon left her three children behind and I have struggled through this journey. If he is granted a non custodial sentence, at least he'll be able to help us take care of these children," she said.
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Obado, his former Personal Assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero were found guilty of Sharon's murder after the court determined that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence linking the three to the killing.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday, July 23, by Lady Justice Cecilia Githua, who ruled that the prosecution had proved its case against all three accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.
"It is therefore my finding that the prosecution has proved its case against the first, the 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 as charged in count one. Each accused is accordingly convicted under section 322 of the Criminal Procedure Code," the Judge declared.
Justice Githua further outlined the roles she found each of the three accused persons to have played in the murder, stating that their actions demonstrated preparation, participation and a shared intention to carry out the crime.
"The first accused supplied motive, instigation, and funds to finance the criminal enterprise. The second accused facilitated the execution while the third accused ensured logistical support and concealment to avoid detection of the offence.
"Inherent in these roles were acts of preparation and concealment denoting knowledge, participation, premeditation, and intention to execute their common intention that led to the death of Sharon," she ruled.
The court had earlier found that Obado had a motive to eliminate Otieno after learning that she was pregnant with his child.
Justice Githua also rejected Obado’s claim that he had accepted Sharon’s pregnancy and was comfortable with the situation, finding that the assertion was not sincere.
