Sharon Otieno's parents push for reconciliation as court weighs Obado sentence

Speaking through their lawyer during sentencing proceedings, the parents told the court they are seeking reconciliation and urged the judge to spare Obado a custodial sentence.

They said their relationship with the former governor had remained cordial, including during the period when Sharon was still alive.

The family's position emerged as the court heard submissions on sentencing for Obado, Caspal Obiero and Michael Oyamo, all convicted of Sharon's murder.

The prosecution acknowledged the parents' wish for reconciliation, noting that their views were relevant to the sentencing process. It stressed, however, that the family's position could not determine the outcome.

"This is an offence against the state... the court is the ultimate decision maker," the state submitted.

Prosecutors urged the court to weigh the gravity of the offence and the aggravating circumstances outlined in the sentencing guidelines, arguing that the murder was premeditated and carried out through coordinated conduct, with the three convicts acting pursuant to a common design and playing different roles in the killing.

According to the prosecution, the degree of planning involved elevated the culpability of all three.

The State further submitted that it had established the convicts were public employees, close associates, and individuals known to Sharon. It also pointed to the absence of any evidence that Sharon had acted in self-defence.

On their prior criminal records, the prosecution indicated that the three may be treated as first offenders, but urged the court to factor in the circumstances of the offence when handing down sentence.

The court is now reviewing submissions from the prosecution, the defence and Sharon's family before determining the appropriate sentence.