Ex-Migori Governor Obado
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The High Court has ordered former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his ex-personal assistant Michael Oyamo, and former Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Caspal Obiero to stand trial for the murder of Sharon Otieno.
Justice Cecilia Githua has determined that the evidence presented was adequate to require the trio to mount a defence concerning the murder of the 26-year-old former Rongo University student. After examining the submitted evidence, Justice Githua has concluded that while there were sufficient grounds to proceed with the murder charges against the defendants, the evidence was inadequate to support charges related to the murder of Sharon's unborn child, who was approximately 28 weeks gestational age at the time of the incident.
The court, accordingly, dismisses the charge concerning the fetus. The next court mention is scheduled for February 25, when the accused will have the opportunity to decide whether to give sworn or unsworn testimony and if they plan to call any witnesses in their defence. This decision signals a critical juncture in the trial, which has already seen testimony from 42 witnesses. Sharon Otieno and her unborn child were tragically murdered on the nights of September 3 and 4, 2018, in the Owade area of Rachuonyo, Homa Bay County.
Sharon was abducted along with a journalist who narrowly escaped by leaping out of the assailants' vehicle. Mr. Obado was charged with her murder on September 24, 2018, and spent several months in pre-trial detention before being released on bond by the Court of Appeal. Throughout the proceedings, Mr Obado has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming to have been at Raila Odinga's residence in Karen at the time of the murder.
He has argued that his arrest stemmed from public pressure and has stated that he has fully cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation. Additionally, Mr. Obado has expressed that the circumstances of his arrest and subsequent incarceration have inflicted considerable hardship on himself, his family, and the community of Migori County, where he previously served as chief executive officer.