By Doris Moraa | July 24, 2026
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has welcomed the High Court’s conviction of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former county aide Caspal Obiero over the 2018 murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno, describing the verdict as a landmark victory for justice.
In a statement released through her official social media platforms, Wanga said the judgment marks the end of one of Kenya’s most closely followed criminal trials and sends a strong message that no one is above the law.
The governor praised the Judiciary for what she termed a transparent, professional and diligent handling of the case, noting that the nearly eight-year legal process demonstrated the importance of allowing the courts to determine criminal matters based on evidence and the rule of law.
“The verdict is a victory for justice and a reminder that truth ultimately prevails,” Wanga said, while extending her thoughts to Sharon Otieno’s family, who have waited years for the conclusion of the case.
The High Court, presided over by Lady Justice Cecilia Githua, found Obado, Oyamo and Obiero guilty of Sharon Otieno’s murder, ruling that the three acted with a common intention in planning and executing the crime.
According to the court, Obado provided the motive and financial backing for the murder, while Oyamo coordinated the execution of the plan and Obiero played a key role in facilitating and concealing the crime.
Following the guilty verdict delivered on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the court cancelled the three convicts’ bond terms and ordered that they remain in custody pending sentencing.
Governor Wanga said the judgment should reassure victims of gender-based violence and their families that justice can still be achieved despite lengthy court processes.
She noted that, as the governor of Homa Bay County where Sharon Otieno hailed from and where her body was discovered in 2018, the ruling carries significant emotional and symbolic importance for the people of the region.
The governor further said the decision should strengthen public confidence in Kenya’s justice system and encourage victims of violence to continue seeking legal redress through the courts.
She also called for sustained efforts by government agencies, civil society organizations and community leaders to combat gender-based violence and protect women and girls from abuse.
The murder of Sharon Otieno shocked the nation after the 26-year-old university student was abducted and later found dead near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County while she was heavily pregnant.
The case attracted widespread public interest due to the involvement of senior political figures and remained one of the country’s most high-profile murder trials.
With the convictions now secured, attention is expected to shift to the sentencing phase, where the court will determine the punishment to be imposed on the three convicted persons.
Legal experts have described the ruling as a significant milestone in Kenya’s criminal justice system, reinforcing the principle that all individuals, regardless of their social or political status, are accountable before the law.
