Lawyer Danstan Omari Explains Why Okoth Obado Can Pay Compensation and Still Face Jail

Lawyer Danstan Omari has explained why former Migori Governor Okoth Obado could compensate the family of slain Rongo University student Sharon Otieno and still face a prison sentence.

Speaking during an appearance on Oga Obinna Live, Omari addressed the ongoing debate over Obado’s fate after Sharon’s family called for leniency and expressed forgiveness towards the former governor.

Omari stressed that compensation does not automatically bring a criminal case to an end.

“Obado can be ordered to compensate for the death of Sharon and still go to jail for a life-or-death sentence. Sharon’s mother cannot withdraw the case!” Omari said.

Sharon’s family seeks mercy

The debate follows a plea by Sharon’s parents, who asked the court to consider leniency when sentencing Obado.

The family has maintained that it has forgiven the former governor and wants the court to consider reconciliation and the needs of Sharon’s children and other family members.

The family has also highlighted the financial burden it incurred following Sharon’s death and during the lengthy court proceedings.

Reports indicate that the family cited approximately KSh4.7 million in expenses, including money spent attending court proceedings and funeral-related costs. It also sought consideration for Sharon’s children and other dependants.

However, as Omari explained, such compensation does not give the victim’s family the power to determine the outcome of a criminal conviction.

Why Sharon’s mother cannot withdraw the case

The distinction comes down to who prosecutes a criminal case.

Once a person has been convicted of murder, the victim’s family cannot simply withdraw the case and automatically bring the criminal proceedings to an end.

The court remains responsible for determining the appropriate sentence after considering submissions from the prosecution, the defence and mitigation, including any views expressed by the victim’s family.

This means that even if Sharon’s family accepts compensation or asks the court to show mercy, the judge can still impose a custodial sentence.

Obado awaits sentencing

Obado, together with his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori County clerk Caspal Obiero, was convicted over Sharon’s murder in July 2026.

The trio is currently at the sentencing stage, with the court expected to consider the circumstances of the offence alongside the mitigation presented by the defence and the victim’s family.

Her death sparked a lengthy investigation and high-profile murder trial that attracted nationwide attention.

With the sentencing still pending, Omari’s comments on Oga Obinna Live have brought renewed attention to the difference between forgiveness, compensation and criminal punishment.

For Sharon’s family, forgiveness may be part of their search for closure. Legally, however, the final decision on Obado’s punishment remains with the court.