DPP Urges Court to Convict Obado and Co-Accused in Sharon Otieno Murder Trial
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has urged the Milimani High Court to convict former Migori Governor Zacharia Okoth Obado and his co-accused in the murder trial of university student Sharon Otieno.
Appearing before the court, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Gikui Gichuhi submitted that the prosecution had presented evidence demonstrating what she described as a coordinated plan to eliminate Otieno.
“The evidence paints a coherent picture of the accused acting in concert,” Gichuhi told the court, arguing that the alleged actions were intended to avert political fallout and reputational damage.
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Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution maintains that the killing was not spontaneous but part of what it termed a joint criminal enterprise.
Co-accused Michael Juma Oyamo and Casper Ojwang Obiero were described by the State as central to the alleged plan.
According to the prosecution:
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The accused were present at Graca Hotel on September 3, 2018.
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The hotel was the last confirmed location where the deceased and a surviving witness were seen before the alleged abduction.
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A vehicle, registration number KCL 418K, was linked to the events under investigation.
The State cited witness testimonies, cyber-forensic analysis, phone data records, and investigative findings as forming what it described as a consistent chain of evidence.
“There is no reasonable doubt,” the prosecution argued in its closing submissions.
Defence Position
The defence has consistently denied the charges.
During the trial, defence lawyers challenged the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses and questioned aspects of the investigative process.
The court previously ruled that the accused had a case to answer, paving the way for defence submissions and final arguments.
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Case Background
The 2018 death of Sharon Otieno sparked national debate on gender-based violence, political accountability, and witness protection.
Obado, Oyamo, and Obiero have denied the murder charges and remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
What Happens Next
The judges are expected to reconvene on March 18, 2026, when a date for judgment will be announced.
The decision is anticipated to mark a significant moment in one of Kenya’s most closely followed criminal trials.
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