Nearly eight years after the painful loss of their daughter, the family of Sharon Otieno has begun a new chapter of healing after the High Court found those responsible for her murder guilty.
On Saturday, Sharon’s parents, siblings and relatives gathered with worshippers at Magare Got SDA Church in Homa Bay County for a thanksgiving service, marking their first public appearance since the landmark judgment.
The emotional service gave the family an opportunity to thank God for helping them through one of the most difficult periods of their lives. For years, they attended court sessions as the case moved through the justice system, holding onto hope that one day they would receive justice for Sharon and her unborn child.
Sharon’s mother, Melinda Auma, said the journey had been filled with pain, grief and emotional suffering. Although the court’s decision brought relief, she said the family was still mourning the loss of their daughter.
“It has not been easy for the family. The family has been grieving all the way through and even today after the judgment we are still grieving, but because of God we shall not grieve forever,” she said.
Justice Cecilia Githua delivered the judgment on July 23, 2026, finding former Migori Governor Zachary Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero guilty of Sharon’s murder.
The ruling brought to an end a case that had captured national attention since 2018.
Melinda also spoke about the emotional burden the family carried outside the courtroom. She said they not only suffered the pain of losing Sharon but also endured years of cyberbullying and hurtful comments on social media.
She said the online attacks caused deep psychological pain and questioned why some people failed to show compassion to a grieving family.
According to her, Sharon deserved dignity and respect like any other daughter.
Sharon Belyne Otieno was 26 years old when she was killed in September 2018. She was a student at Rongo University, a mother and was expecting her second child.
Her body was found in a thicket near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County, a tragedy that shocked the country and sparked widespread calls for justice.
Despite everything the family has gone through, Melinda said her Christian faith helped her remain strong. She said she has forgiven those involved in the crime and believes Sharon has finally received justice.
For the Otieno family, the thanksgiving service marked more than the end of a court case.
It represented the beginning of healing, peace and hope after years of grief, as they continue remembering Sharon while finding strength to move forward.
