Former Migori county governor Okoth Obado has been found guilty of orchestrating the murder of 26‑year‑old pregnant student Sharon Otieno, who was killed in 2018.
Otieno’s body was discovered in a thicket outside a small town in western Kenya, showing clear signs of abuse. The trial concluded that Obado, together with his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former county clerk Caspal Obiero, arranged the killing, with each playing a distinct role—instigation, execution and logistical support.
Judge Cecilia Githua read the ruling out loud on live television, stating that Obado “supplied motive, instigation and funds to finance the criminal enterprise.” She also noted that Oyamo “facilitated execution” and Obiero “ensured logistical support and concealment to avoid detection of the offence”.
The conviction came after 42 witnesses were called, and a heavy reliance on circumstantial evidence showed how the ex‑governor, who had been in office at the time, used his power to eliminate a pregnant woman he was having an affair with. Witness testimony from journalist Barack Oduor—which described the kidnapping of Otieno—was pivotal to the case.
Public reaction was swift; vigils were held for Otieno and other women who had been killed, and nationwide protests demanded justice for women. A 2022 national survey reported that at least 34% of Kenyan women had experienced physical violence, framing the murder as part of a broader “hidden epidemic” of domestic violence.
The sentencing is seen by many as a watershed moment, signalling that even officials of high rank can be held legally accountable for gender‑based crimes. The case also highlights ongoing challenges within Kenya’s judicial and law‑enforcement systems to address systemic violence against women.
