By Dorothy Musyoka
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado is set to begin his defense in April 2025 after the court ruled that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had established a prima facie case against him and his co-accused, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, in connection with the 2018 murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.
The defense hearing is scheduled to run from April 23 to April 25, 2025.
Obado informed Lady Justice Cecilia Githua that he will give sworn evidence and call two witnesses in his defense.
His co-accused, Oyamo and Obiero, will present their defenses separately from May 19 to May 23, 2025.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the ruling comes after the prosecution, led by Catherine Mwaniki, Gikui Gichui, Allen Mulama, and Bessie Gikonyo, concluded its case in June 2024.
The prosecution presented 42 witnesses, including a journalist, to build their case.
“The court’s decision to place the accused on their defense comes after the prosecution, led by Catherine Mwaniki, Gikui Gichui, Allen Mulama, and Bessie Gikonyo, concluded its case in June 2024 after presenting 42 witnesses, including a journalist,” explained the ODPP.
Obado, Oyamo, and Obiero are charged with the murder of Sharon Otieno, who was found dead in a forest in Homa Bay County on the night of September 3, 2018.