Sharon Otieno murder case: Obado, co-accused placed in police custody as bond cancelled after conviction

The High Court has cancelled bond for former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero after finding them guilty of killing Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.

The court hence directed that the accused persons be remanded to police custody until after 21 days when the matter shall be mentioned again to confirm compliance with orders.

Judge Cecilia Githua had ordered that both the pre-sentence and victim assessment reports be filed within the next 21 days.

“We can get a date after the 21 days when the matter can be mentioned to confirm that those directions have been complied with,” ruled the judge.

“Pending that mention day, the accused persons shall be remanded in custody as their bonds have been cancelled.”

The court convicted the accused persons for murdering Sharon Otieno, finding that the prosecution proved its case against the three beyond reasonable doubt.

In delivering the judgment, the court held that the evidence presented established that the three accused acted in concert, with each playing a distinct role in the commission of the offence.

The court found that Obado financed the execution of the crime, Oyamo played a key role in its execution, while Obiero participated in concealing the offence. It ruled that their actions demonstrated a common intention and constituted malice aforethought.

Judge Githua further held that Obado's absence from Migori County on the day Sharon was killed did not shield him from criminal liability, saying the evidence showed he was involved in planning and facilitating the murder despite being in Nairobi.

The court concluded that there was overwhelming evidence linking all three accused to Sharon Otieno's death and found that the prosecution had proved every element of the offence of murder beyond reasonable doubt.

Consequently, the court convicted Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero of the offence of murdering the Rongo University student.