Lawyer Cliff Ombeta insists Obado is Innocent After Sharon Otieno Murder Conviction

Criminal lawyer Cliff Ombeta has challenged the High Court's decision to convict former Migori Governor Zacharia Okoth Obado of the 2018 murder of university student Sharon Otieno, arguing that the prosecution did not present sufficient evidence to prove his client's involvement.

Speaking a day after Justice Cecilia Githua delivered the judgment, Ombeta maintained that Obado was innocent and said the prosecution had failed to establish a direct connection between him and the killing. In a statement shared on social media, Ombeta said: "Obado did not commit that offence. I don't know about the others. Even the circumstantial evidence (non-existent) could not put him in any scene or act."

The High Court convicted Obado alongside his former aide Michael Oyamo and former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero. Justice Githua ruled that the three acted with a common intention to plan and carry out Sharon's murder. Although Obado was not at the scene, the court found that he financed and facilitated the crime while his co-accused carried it out and later helped to conceal it.

Ombeta rejected the court's findings, arguing that the judgment was based on assumptions rather than evidence. He criticised the conclusion that Obado feared public embarrassment over Sharon's pregnancy, saying there was no evidence to support that finding. He also questioned whether other possible explanations had been fully considered, asking: "Was it possible other family did it?"

The conviction has renewed public discussion about one of Kenya's most prominent murder cases. Ombeta's remarks are likely to remain part of the legal debate as the defence prepares for the next stage of the proceedings, including mitigation and a possible appeal.

Obado, Oyamo and Obiero remain in custody after the court revoked their bond pending sentencing, which is expected in the coming weeks.