Sharon’s father urges leniency for remorseful Obado, condemns co-convicts

NAIROBI, Kenya – September 16 – The father of slain university student Sharon Otieno has expressed his willingness to accept a non-custodial sentence for former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, citing the convicted former governor's remorse and desire for reconciliation. Appearing in court during sentencing proceedings, Douglas Zachariah Otieno shared his nine-year silence on his daughter's death, finally speaking due to the significance of the day.

Otieno thanked the court for the opportunity to address the murder, emphasizing that his statement primarily concerned Obado, whom he claimed had reached out to the family for reconciliation. He revealed that Obado's relatives visited his home, prompting his appearance in court to speak with Obado directly. If the court grants a non-custodial sentence to Obado, Otieno stated that he would be satisfied, as he believed the former governor to be remorseful.

However, Otieno expressed anger towards Obado's co-convicts, Michael Juma Oyamo and Caspal Ojwang Obiero, noting that he had not witnessed their remorse as he had with Obado. The emotional father compared himself to a dog biting and licking the blood of his daughter, likening the act to what he believes Oyamo and Obiero have failed to do.

The High Court convicted Obado, Oyamo, and Obiero of Sharon's murder in July 2026 after finding the prosecution's case beyond reasonable doubt. The court is now considering submissions from the families, prosecution, and defense before determining the appropriate sentences for the three convicts.