Migori Governor Obado Charged with Sharon Otieno’s Murder, Remanded at Industrial Area Prison

Embattled Migori Governor Okoth Obado was on Monday arraigned in court, where he was charged with the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.

Appearing before Justice Jessie Lessit, Governor Obado pleaded not guilty to charges of killing the 26-year-old second-year student

“The charge is murder contrary to section 203 as read with section 204 of the penal code and the particulars are that you Zachariah Okoth Obado between the 3rd and 4th of September this year at Owade area in Rachuonyo sub-county within Homabay County jointly with others not before this court murdered Sharon Beryl Otieno,” Justice Lessit read the charges.

Judge Lessit directed the Governor be remanded at the Industrial Area Prison until Tuesday afternoon when his application for bail will be heard.

The court heard that Obado is fit to stand trial after a mental assessment confirmed he is of sound mind.

The prosecution indicated it intends to merge Obado’s case with those of his co-accused who include his Personal Assistant Michael Oyamo even as it seeks to have the Governor denied bail.

Obado admitted to being in a love relationship with Sharon but denied any involvement in her killing.

“As a law abiding citizen, I want to state here very clearly that I have nothing… and absolutely nothing… to do with the cruel death of Sharon,” stated the embattled Governor during a press address.

The victim was stabbed eight times and succumbed to excessive bleeding, an autopsy report revealed.

Sharon's family has vowed not to bury her until the perpetrators of the crime are brought to book.