Obado’s two co-accused now want judge out of case

Mr Michael Oyamo, one of the key suspects in the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno in the dock at Milimani law courts.

Migori Governor Okoth Obado’s co-accused in the murder of university student Sharon Otieno have accused the trial judge of bias.

Obado’s personal assistant Michael Oyamo and Migori County Clerk Caspal Ojwang’ claimed that Lady Justice Jessie Lessit acted as if she had found them guilty of killing Sharon when she denied them bail.

“The judge’s ruling in October last year was a clear sign of bias. Her comments that the accused were directly linked by the evidence would make any ordinary person believe the court has already made up its mind that they are guilty even before the trial commences,” said their lawyer Jack Oronga.

Obado, Oyamo and Ojwang’ were charged in September last year with the murder of Sharon and her unborn child. Justice Lessit released Obado on a cash bail of Sh5 million, but denied Oyamo and Ojwang bail on grounds that they were a flight risk.

They appealed the decision and were later released by the Court of Appeal on a cash bail of Sh2 million each.

But State Prosecutor Catherine Mwaniki opposed the application to remove the judge arguing that it was meant to derail the case. Justice Lessit will give a ruling on July 19.