The battle over the punishment for former Migori Governor Zachariah Okoth Obado has brought sharply different appeals before the High Court, with his family asking for mercy while Sharon Otieno’s relatives describe the heavy cost they have carried since her killing eight years ago.
The High Court in Milimani, Nairobi, has set September 16, 2026, as the earliest date for the sentencing hearing of Obado, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero after the three were found guilty of Sharon’s murder.
Obado’s family has asked the court to take into account his age, health and the responsibility he has carried towards relatives and other people who depend on him.
In a pre-sentence report dated August 18, Obado’s brother, Daudi Okoth, described the former governor as an important source of support for the family.
The report says Obado has continued to provide for relatives beyond his immediate family, with his family fearing that his situation could affect those who rely on him.
“It is evident that the entire family regards the offender (Obado) positively as a strong pillar in the family, and there exist strong bonds amongst them,” the report states.
The family has also expressed concern over Obado’s condition and appealed to the court to be considerate when deciding the sentence.
Sharon’s family counts the cost
On the other side, Sharon’s family has told the court that her death has left them facing emotional distress and financial difficulties.
In their victim impact statement, the family said it has struggled to provide for Sharon’s three children, her siblings and her ageing parents.
They disclosed that they have spent approximately Sh1.2 million in attending court sessions since the case began, in addition to Sh3.5 million used for funeral expenses.
The financial pressure forced the family to sell a one-acre parcel of land and a cow to help meet the costs.
Sharon was 26 when she died on September 3, 2018. She was seven months pregnant and studying for a diploma in medical records at Rongo University.
The second-year student left behind three children, now aged between nine and 12.
Her family said their limited financial means have made the loss even harder to bear.
According to the impact statement, Sharon’s father has struggled with alcoholism since her death and often holds her photograph as he remembers his daughter.
The family said the circumstances surrounding her death have also left them with lasting memories of the violence inflicted on her.
They described the force used against Sharon as extreme and said the events had caused deep and permanent pain.
Sharon’s mother also questioned an attempt by the family of Oyamo to seek reconciliation after the conviction.
She reportedly asked why the approach had come only after the court had found the accused guilty.
Despite the pain caused by the loss, Sharon’s family said it has forgiven the offenders but still wants them to face punishment for the crime.
Obado still denies killing
Obado, who is 64 and being held at GK Kamiti Maximum Prison, has continued to reject the finding that he took part in Sharon’s murder.
In his statement to the probation authorities, he said he did not kill Sharon or participate in her killing.
He instead blamed political conflicts and what he described as efforts to damage his reputation for his current situation.
Although he has not accepted responsibility for the offence, Obado acknowledged the tragic death and said he would like to reconcile with Sharon’s family.
He has asked the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, pointing to his age, health and the length of time the case has taken.
The report says Obado accepts the court’s decision, although he disagrees with the conviction.
He maintained that his dealings with Oyamo were linked to their work at the Migori County Government.
Obado acknowledged that he had given Oyamo responsibility for dealing with matters involving Sharon, including providing support and maintaining communication.
He also spoke of remorse over Sharon’s death.
However, assistant director of probation Benard Musitia said the assessment did not find sufficient evidence of remorse because Obado had not accepted responsibility for the killing.
“The relationship between him and his co-accused was said to be out of work engagements at the time while serving at the County Government of Migori. He therefore does not take responsibility for the murder of the victim; thus, remorse was not established,” the report says.
Oyamo regrets role
Oyamo, who worked as Obado’s personal assistant, also gave his account as the court prepares for sentencing.
The pre-sentence report says Oyamo regrets the circumstances that led to his conviction and has reflected on what it described as misplaced loyalty to his boss.
He said the seriousness of his actions became clear to him after he was charged with murder.
Oyamo also said Sharon’s death saddened him and that, had he known how events would end, he would have advised her differently in an effort to save both her and her unborn baby.
The court will hear the sentencing submissions when the matter comes up on September 16, with the circumstances of the three convicted men and the impact of Sharon’s death forming part of what will be considered.