The murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno became one of Kenya's most followed criminal cases, drawing national attention from the moment she disappeared in September 2018.

Nearly eight years later, on July 23, 2026, the High Court found former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero guilty of her murder, marking the conclusion of the trial phase of a case that had remained in the public eye for years.

Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado // Courtesy

The Abduction and Tragic Discovery

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On September 3, 2018, Sharon attended a meeting at Graca Hotel in Homa Bay County.

She was accompanied by Nation Media Group journalist Barrack Oduor, whom she had contacted for media assistance.

During the meeting, the two were reportedly abducted by unknown individuals. Oduor later escaped after being thrown from a moving vehicle and alerted authorities, while Sharon remained missing.

The following day, September 4, 2018, Sharon's body was discovered in Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County.

A post-mortem examination established that she had sustained multiple stab wounds. Her death sparked public outrage and prompted detectives to launch an extensive investigation.

Investigation, Charges, and the Prolonged Trial

Investigations eventually led to the arrest of then-Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his personal assistant Michael Oyamo, and Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero.

Prosecutors told the court that Sharon's pregnancy and her relationship with Obado formed part of the motive presented during the trial.

Obado, who was serving his second term as Migori governor after winning the seat in 2013 and securing re-election in 2017, denied the charges. Oyamo, who served as the governor's personal assistant, and Obiero, who was the county clerk at the time, also pleaded not guilty.

Between 2019 and 2025, the case proceeded through the High Court with numerous hearings, witness testimonies and forensic evidence presented before the court. Investigators, medical experts and civilian witnesses testified as both the prosecution and defence made their respective cases.

Barrack Oduor's account of the abduction formed part of the evidence that helped investigators reconstruct Sharon's final movements.

Okoth Obado, personal assistant Michael Oyamoand Caspal Obiero // Courtesy Citizen Digital
High Court Conviction and Landmark Verdict

The judgment, which had been postponed before its eventual delivery, was read on July 23, 2026, by Justice Cecilia Githua at the Milimani High Court.

The judge ruled that the prosecution had proved the murder charge beyond reasonable doubt and found Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero guilty.

Justice Githua held that the chain of circumstantial evidence presented during the trial established the involvement of the three accused persons in Sharon's murder.

Following the verdict, the court ordered that they remain in custody pending sentencing.

Sharon Otieno was a 26-year-old second-year medical student at Rongo University.

Before her death, reports had emerged that she was in a relationship with then-Migori Governor Okoth Obado and was pregnant.

The allegations became central to the investigations that followed her disappearance.