Nairobi, Kenya | August 18, 2026

Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado has asked the High Court to consider leniency when sentencing him following his conviction over the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.

A pre-sentence social inquiry report presented before the court indicated that Obado is seeking a non-custodial sentence, citing his age, health status and the lengthy period taken to conclude the case. Obado, 64, is currently in custody at GK Kamiti Maximum Prison.

Obado was convicted alongside his former personal assistant Michael Juma Oyamo and former Migori County official Caspal Ajwang Obiero after the court found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Despite his conviction, Obado has maintained that he did not murder Sharon or participate in her killing. He has, however, acknowledged the tragic outcome and expressed remorse over her death, while indicating that he is willing to support her family and pursue reconciliation.

Sharon Otieno was 26 and seven months pregnant when she was killed in September 2018. The Rongo University student’s death triggered a lengthy investigation and court process that attracted national attention.

Sharon's family has meanwhile asked the court to consider the financial and emotional impact of her death when determining the sentence. The family told probation officers that it has endured significant financial difficulties during the nearly eight-year pursuit of justice and is seeking support and compensation for Sharon's children and other dependants.

The family has also indicated that it has no objection to a lenient sentence for Obado and remains open to reconciliation, while asking that commitments made to Sharon's family be honoured.

Obado, Oyamo and Obiero are expected to return to the High Court on September 16, 2026, when the court will consider mitigation, the victim impact report and submissions from the prosecution and defence before determining the appropriate sentences.

The sentencing will mark another major stage in one of Kenya's most closely followed murder cases, nearly eight years after Sharon Otieno's death.