Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado The High Court will on November 27, 2026 deliver its sentence on former Migori Governor Okoth Obado over the murder of varsity student Sharon Otieno.
The sentencing date was set after the prosecution, Sharon’s family and the defence made weighty submissions during the mitigation hearing.
"We will deliver ruling on sentence on November 27. You will recall that I had indicated that the court is commencing its annual leave tomorrow and that's why it will be delivered then," Justice Cecilia Githua observed.
The judge deferred the sentencing after hearing mitigation from all parties, paving the way for the court to consider their arguments before determining the appropriate sentence.
Obado, 64, was convicted alongside his former personal assistant Michael Juma Oyamo and Caspal Ajwang Obiero after the prosecution proved the murder case beyond reasonable doubt.
During the mitigation hearing, the prosecution urged the court to impose a sentence that reflects the gravity of the offence, serves the interests of the public and promotes confidence in the administration of justice.
State Counsel Gukui Gichuhi told the court that there was no evidence of provocation, self-defence or other sudden circumstances that could reduce the convicts’ responsibility for the offence.
The prosecution also outlined factors the court could consider during sentencing, including whether the convicts were first offenders, their previous character, physical or mental condition, prospects of rehabilitation, remorse and reconciliation, personal and family circumstances and the period spent in custody.
Sharon’s family, through a victim impact statement, told the court about the financial and emotional burden they had endured since her death.
The family said it had spent about Sh1.2 million attending court proceedings and another Sh3.5 million on funeral expenses.
They said they had been forced to sell a one-acre piece of land and a cow to meet some of the costs.
The family, in the statement, also sought compensation for Sharon’s children, siblings and ageing parents, while expressing concern about their safety.
The parents, however, while at the dock asked the court to spare Obado a custodial sentence, indicating that the family had forgiven him and that his relatives had reached out to them for reconciliation.
They further observed that Obado had sent relatives to his home seeking reconciliation and that he would accept a non-custodial sentence if the court considered him remorseful.
The defence teams similarly asked the court to consider non-custodial sentences, citing remorse and other mitigating circumstances as they pleaded for leniency.
Obado previously maintained that he did not murder Sharon and attributed his predicament to political woes and machinations.
He nevertheless acknowledged the court outcome and asked for reconciliation.
The court will consider the submissions and other relevant factors before delivering the sentence on November 27.
