Sharon's Father Forgives Obado but Rejects Leniency for Co-Convicts

Sharon Otieno’s father has told the High Court in Nairobi that he would not oppose a non-custodial sentence for former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, saying he has forgiven him.

Douglas Zachariah Otieno made the remarks during sentencing proceedings for Obado and his two co-convicts, Michael Juma Oyamo and Caspal Ojwang Obiero. He told Justice Cecilia Githua that Obado had shown remorse and had sought reconciliation with the family through relatives.

“He sent his relatives to my home for a reconciliation. That is why I have come down to this end to talk to him. If the court agrees for non-custodial, that will be okay with me because he is remorseful,” Otieno said.

However, Otieno said he remained bitter towards Oyamo and Obiero. He told the court that the two were among the last people seen with Sharon before her death and had not made any effort to reconcile with the family.

“But I am too bitter today seeing Oyamo and Caspal, since they were last seen with my daughter until she was killed,” he said.

The proceedings were briefly adjourned after Sharon’s parents asked for an interpreter to help them follow the hearing. Their lawyers said the family had not filed a victim impact statement after receiving advice from the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had, however, submitted victim impact reports outlining the emotional and financial impact of Sharon’s murder on her family. Sharon, a 26-year-old Rongo University student, was seven months pregnant when she was killed in September 2018. She was abducted alongside journalist Barrack Oduor, who escaped, before her body was later found in Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County.

Justice Githua convicted Obado, Oyamo and Obiero in July after finding that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The family spent about Ksh4.7 million during the lengthy trial, with much of the money raised through the sale of property and livestock.

Obado’s relatives met Sharon’s parents in August as part of reconciliation efforts. The meetings preceded Otieno’s decision to ask the court to consider a non-custodial sentence for the former governor.