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Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado (right), his co-accused Casper Obiero (left) and Michael Oyamo at a Milimani Law Courts, in Nairobi, on August 2, 2023. [File, Standard]
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado intends to call two witnesses in his defense in the ongoing Sharon Otieno murder trial.
Obado, who has been accused of allegedly orchestrating the brutal killing of Sharon in 2018, appeared before Justice Cecilia Githua at the High Court in Milimani on Tuesday.
He confirmed that he would present sworn evidence and bring in witnesses to demonstrate that he was not involved in the murder of his girlfriend Sharon.
"I will give a sworn statement and I intend to bring two other witnesses during my defense," Obado told Justice Githua.
The former governor's decision comes after he was found to have a case to answer in the murder of Sharon. On January 30, 2025, Justice Githua ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Obado.
The Judge found that credible evidence had been presented, indicating a coordinated plan leading to Sharon’s tragic death.
Obado is facing charges alongside his co-accused: his personal assistant, Juma Oyamo, and Caspal Obiero.
The trio are accused of alleged involvement in the brutal murder of 26-year-old Sharon, a student at Rongo University.
Oyamo told court that he would also file a sworn statement, intending to bring four witnesses to support his defense.
Obiero, on the other hand, said he would submit a sworn statement and call five witnesses to prove his innocence.
In response, the prosecution, led by Gikui Gichuhi, requested that all 11 witness statements from the defense be made available to enable the adequately prepare for the hearing. Justice Githua has set defense hearing for April 23, 24, and 25, 2025, and May 19 to 23, 2025.
The case began with Obado and his co-accused being charged after an investigation into the murder of Sharon, whose body was found on September 4, 2018, in a forest in Homa Bay County.
The university student was brutally murdered, and lost her unborn baby during the attack.
Justice Githua stated that the evidence presented by the 42 witnesses was compelling enough to link the accused to Sharon’s abduction and subsequent murder.
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"After considering all the evidence adduced, I come to the conclusion that the prosecution has established a prima facie case that is sufficient to put the three accused persons on their defense. I find each accused has a case to answer on count one and acquit them on count two," Justice Githua ruled.
The judge also acquitted Obado and his co-accused on the charge related to the death of Sharon's unborn child, after finding that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to support a charge of murder for the baby.
The ruling was based on the "born alive" principle, which states that a person can only be charged with murder concerning a child if the child was born alive.
"I have considered these submissions and I'm in agreement that indeed, the evidence adduced by the prosecution in support of Sharon’s baby doesn't support the charge of murder," Justice Githua said.
On November 8, 2024, all parties in the case made their final submissions. Obado argued that the prosecution had failed to present a strong case against him.
Through his lawyers, Kioko Kilukumi and Rodger Sagana, the former governor explained that he had an open relationship with Sharon and was willing to support her and their unborn baby.
Obado and his co-accused face charges under Sections 203 and 204 of the Penal Code, which, if convicted, carry the death penalty.
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The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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