Nearly eight years after the brutal September 2018 murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno, her family has finally broken their silence following a landmark conviction at the Milimani High Court.
Delivering the long-awaited judgment, Justice Cecilia Githua found former Migori Governor Zacharia Okoth Obado, along with his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and clerk Caspal Obiero, guilty of Sharon’s murder.
For Sharon’s parents—Melida Auma and Douglas Otieno—the verdict marks the culmination of an agonizing eight-year quest for justice, opening the door to emotional closure after years of grief, public scrutiny, and painful court proceedings.
“The wheels of justice may grind slowly, but today they have served their purpose. For eight years, we carried an unbearable weight. Hearing the court validate our painful loss brings a peace we haven’t known since 2018.”
— Melida Auma, Sharon Otieno’s Mother
1. The Verdict: Justice Delivered After an Eight-Year Battle
The judicial process, which commenced shortly after Sharon’s tragic death in late 2018, stretched over almost a decade, involving dozens of witnesses, forensic evidence, and intense public attention.
During the ruling, the court found that the prosecution successfully established an unbroken chain of circumstantial evidence linking Obado and his co-accused to the planning and execution of the murder.
Key Aspects of the Court Ruling:
Guilty Verdicts: Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo, and Caspal Obiero were convicted of murder under Section 203 of the Penal Code.
Cancellation of Bail: The court immediately cancelled the bond terms for all three convicts, ordering them remanded at the Industrial Area Remand Prison pending sentencing.
Pre-Sentencing Reports: Justice Githua ordered victim impact assessment reports and pre-sentencing evaluations to be compiled before formal sentencing.
[ The 8-Year Journey to Justice ]
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2018 ──► Tragic murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.
2019–2025 ──► Extended High Court trial involving 40+ prosecution witnesses.
2025 ──► Court rules Obado and co-accused have a case to answer.
2026 ──► High Court delivers GUILTY verdict; convicts remanded pending sentencing.
2. The Family’s Reaction: Relief, Closure, and Remembrance
Speaking outside the Milimani Law Courts surrounded by family members, legal counsel, and human rights advocates, Sharon’s mother, Melida Auma, recounted the immense emotional toll the extended trial had taken on their lives.
She noted that while no verdict could ever bring her daughter back, knowing that those responsible have been held accountable offers comfort to her children and extended family.
What the Family Highlighted:
Gratitude to the Judiciary & Prosecution: The family commended the prosecution team and the investigating officers for maintaining consistency throughout the multi-year trial.
Support from Civil Society: Organizations such as the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) and gender advocacy groups were acknowledged for offering legal support and standing by the family throughout the trial.
Focus on Sharon’s Legacy: The family expressed a desire to move away from the public spotlight and focus on raising Sharon’s surviving children in a quiet, nurturing environment.
3. A Milestone Case in Kenya’s Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
Beyond the personal victory for Sharon Otieno’s family, human rights advocates and legal experts have hailed the conviction as a precedent-setting moment in Kenya’s legal landscape.
The case had long been viewed as a litmus test for the independence of Kenya’s judiciary when dealing with high-profile political figures accused of serious crimes against vulnerable individuals.
Trial Dimension Details & Impact
Accused Status High-ranking public officials (Former Governor & County Staff).
Prosecution Basis Forensic analysis, call data records, and circumstantial evidence chain.
Legal Precedent Demonstrates accountability regardless of political standing or influence.
Social Impact Reaffirms public faith in judicial remedies for victims of gender-based violence.
4. The Path Ahead: Pre-Sentencing and Final Closure
With the guilty verdict delivered, attention now shifts to the official sentencing hearing scheduled following the submission of pre-sentencing reports.
For Sharon Otieno’s family, the legal chapter is drawing to a close, allowing them to finally transition from a prolonged state of legal battle to a personal journey of healing, remembrance, and peace.
