Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado has asked the High Court to show leniency when sentencing him for the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno, citing his age, health and the prolonged period the case has taken to conclude.
A pre-sentence social inquiry report presented before the court on Tuesday revealed that Obado is seeking consideration for a non-custodial sentence.
During interviews with probation officers, the former governor maintained that he was not involved in Sharon’s killing, even as he acknowledged having been in an intimate relationship with her.
Obado told the officers that he respected the court’s decision to convict him but disagreed with the finding that he played a role in Sharon’s death.
“I respect the verdict of the court, but I disagree with the finding that I was involved in Sharon’s death,” Obado said, according to the report.
The former governor, however, expressed remorse over Sharon’s death and said he was willing to support her family and pursue reconciliation with them.
The report noted that Obado has no previous criminal convictions, a factor he wants the court to consider before determining his punishment.
He also cited his health, with the report stating that he suffers from hypertension and had complained of pain around his left shoulder.
Obado further told probation officers that he was prepared to take responsibility for Sharon’s pregnancy after the child was born and a DNA test conducted to establish paternity.
The former governor also acknowledged that he had entrusted his former aide, Michael Oyamo, with handling matters concerning Sharon, including establishing contact with her.
In a significant development, Sharon’s family told probation officers that they had no objection to Obado receiving a lenient sentence.
The family cited the support Obado had continued to provide and said they were open to reconciliation.
They further asked that the former governor be allowed to fulfil promises and pledges he had made to Sharon’s parents, arguing that this would help alleviate the financial difficulties the family has experienced since her death.
“We have no objection to a lenient sentence,” the family told probation officers, according to the report.
The High Court will consider the probation report alongside Sharon’s victim impact statement, as well as submissions from both the prosecution and defence, before deciding the appropriate sentence.
Obado was convicted over Sharon’s murder following a lengthy trial that attracted national attention.
The sentencing proceedings are scheduled to continue on September 16, 2026, when the court is expected to consider the circumstances surrounding the offence, the impact of Sharon’s death on her family and the mitigation presented by Obado.
