By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Director of Public Prosecutions has successfully persuaded the court to allow former Migori Governor Okoth Obado to present his defense in a murder trial.
This decision follows the court’s ruling today, which also applies to his co-accused, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, in connection with the murder of university student Sharon Otieno. Lady Justice Cecilia Githua remarked that the Prosecution had demonstrated a prima facie case against the three suspects.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), this implies Obado and his co-accused have to respond to the evidence presented against them by the prosecution.
“Prosecution represented by Catherine Mwaniki, Gikui Gichui, Allen Mulama, Bessie Gikonyo and Sarah Ogweno closed its submissions in this case in June 2024 after presenting 42 witnesses, including a journalist,” the ODPP said.
“Obado, Oyamo and Obiero are accused of murdering Ms. Otieno and her unborn child on the night of 3rd September 2018 in a forest within Homa Bay County,” ODPP added.
In a tweak of tactics, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) used prosecution-guided investigations to collect evidence that led to the Decision to Charge the accused persons.
Sharon Otieno, a 26-year-old university student, was tragically killed in September 2018 in Homa Bay County. At the time of her death, she was pregnant. Her body was found in a forest, showing evidence of a violent assault.
The case attracted considerable media coverage, largely due to her association with former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, who was accused of having an affair with her.
The ODPP reported that the case will be mentioned on 25th February 2025, for further directions.