An emotional scene unfolded at the Milimani High Court after former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his two co-accused were found guilty of murdering Sharon Otieno, the former Rongo University student whose 2018 killing shocked the nation.
In a landmark judgment delivered on Thursday, July 23, Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, convicting Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo, and former Migori County employee Caspal Obiero.
«”It is therefore my finding that the prosecution has proved its case against the first, second and third accused persons beyond reasonable doubt. I consequently find each accused guilty of the offence of murder. Each accused is accordingly convicted,” Justice Githua declared.»
No sooner had the verdict been delivered than raw emotions erupted inside the packed courtroom.
A man seated in the public gallery suddenly stood up and broke down in uncontrollable tears. Clutching a handkerchief, he repeatedly wiped his eyes as he sobbed loudly, leaving many in the courtroom wondering who he was and what had triggered such overwhelming emotion.
The man was later identified as Macalder MCA Felix Okwanyo.
His emotional reaction became one of the most striking moments of the day as family members, lawyers and members of the public absorbed the weight of the historic judgment.
The conviction marks the end of one of Kenya’s longest and most closely watched murder trials.
Sharon Otieno, who was heavily pregnant at the time, disappeared in September 2018 before her body was discovered in Homa Bay County. Her brutal killing sparked national outrage and intense public interest, with the case dominating headlines for years.
After reviewing the evidence, the court concluded that the prosecution had successfully linked all three accused to the murder, paving the way for their conviction in a case that has remained etched in Kenya’s history.
