Sharon Otieno’s Family Requests Leniency For Okoth Obado As Prosecution Demands Firm Sentence

The parents of murdered university student Sharon Otieno have formally requested the High Court to consider reconciliation and hand down a non-custodial sentence to former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, even as state prosecutors argued that the ultimate penalty rests solely with the judiciary.

During sentencing proceedings for Obado and his co-convicts, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, the victim’s family presented their position through their legal representative. The parents urged the presiding judge to exercise leniency, revealing that their relationship with the former governor had remained cordial and that they favor a restorative approach rather than prison time for Obado.

While acknowledging the family’s submission as a factor in the proceedings, the prosecution emphasized that murder remains a capital offence committed against the State. State counsel maintained that the victims’ wishes cannot override statutory sentencing guidelines, urging the court to consider the gravity, premeditation, and coordinated nature of the crime. Prosecutors noted that the convicts used their positions as public officials and trusted associates to carry out a planned scheme, arguing that high culpability must be reflected in the final verdict despite the convicts having no prior criminal records.

The court is currently deliberating on the submissions from the prosecution, defence counsel, and the victim’s family before delivering the official sentence.