Nairobi, Kenya (Running Africa) — Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado has been convicted of the 2018 murder of Sharon Otieno, an expectant university student, in a landmark ruling that concludes one of Kenya’s most closely followed criminal trials and reignites national conversations about gender-based violence and femicide.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Cecilia Githua found that Obado masterminded the killing of the 26-year-old, ruling that he provided the motive, financing and direction behind the murder.

The verdict marks a major milestone in a case that has gripped Kenya for nearly eight years.

Court Finds Obado Orchestrated the Killing

The High Court ruled that prosecutors had successfully proved that Obado orchestrated Sharon Otieno’s murder after learning she was pregnant with his child.

According to the judgment, the former governor played a central role in planning and facilitating the crime, making him criminally responsible for her death.

Obado has consistently denied the allegations throughout the trial.

Two Co-Accused Also Found Guilty

The court also convicted Michael Oyamo, Obado’s former personal assistant, and Caspal Obiero, the former Migori County clerk.

Judges found both men guilty of their roles in the abduction and murder of Sharon Otieno.

All three remain in custody and are expected to return to court for sentencing at a later date.

Murder Shocked Kenya

Sharon Otieno’s body was discovered in a forest in Homa Bay County on 4 September 2018, one day after she was abducted alongside Nation Media Group journalist Barack Oduor.

Oduor managed to escape from the attackers and later became a crucial eyewitness, providing testimony that helped investigators reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the murder.

His account formed a significant part of the prosecution’s case.

Prosecution Relied on Witnesses and Forensic Evidence

During the lengthy trial, prosecutors called 42 witnesses and presented extensive forensic, digital, and circumstantial evidence.

The prosecution argued that Obado ordered the killing after discovering that Otieno was carrying his child, alleging that the murder was intended to conceal the relationship and prevent public scandal.

Justice Githua ruled that the evidence presented established the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Landmark Verdict in Kenya’s Fight Against Femicide

The killing of Sharon Otieno became one of the most high-profile criminal cases in Kenya’s recent history and sparked nationwide outrage over violence against women, femicide, and the abuse of political power.

Women’s rights organizations have frequently cited the case as emblematic of the broader challenge of protecting women from gender-based violence while ensuring powerful individuals are held accountable under the law.

Following the verdict, a lawyer representing Sharon Otieno’s family welcomed the judgment, saying:

“Justice has at last been served to Sharon.”

The convictions are expected to be viewed as a significant moment in Kenya’s pursuit of justice for victims of gender-based violence and may strengthen calls for tougher action against femicide and violence targeting women across the country.