Justice served: Sharon Otieno's family welcomes Obado conviction

Rongo University Students mourn Sharon Otieno during her burial at Magare village in Homa Bay County on October 19th 2018.[File-Standard]

The family of slain Rongo University student Sharon Otieno has welcomed the conviction of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado in her 2018 murder, describing the judgment as the culmination of an eight-year search for justice.

Speaking shortly after the ruling, the family’s lawyer, Victor Hezekiah, thanked the court for what he termed a landmark decision, saying the family had endured years of emotional pain and numerous delays before the case was concluded.

“We are grateful to the court for the judgment that has been rendered. It has been a gruesome eight years,” Hezekiah said.

He said despite setbacks, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and transfers of judges and courts, the family remained steadfast in its pursuit of justice.

“At last we have gotten the judgment, and we are happy with the judgment,” he said.

The lawyer said the conviction had brought closure to the family, expressing confidence that justice had finally prevailed.

“As it is, we are happy with the conviction. We believe that justice has at last been served,” he said.

He also welcomed the court’s decision to deny Obado bond pending sentencing, saying it was an important step in ensuring justice is fully realized. Hezekiah added that the legal team would have a meeting with Sharon Otieno’s family to discuss the outcome of the case and the next steps ahead of sentencing.

Friends and relatives carry the casket bearing the remains of Sharon Otieno's foetus at Magare village, Homa Bay County, on Friday. [File-Standard]

Meanwhile, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), which has closely followed the case, also welcomed the verdict, describing it as a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence.

Senior Legal Counsel Brenda Yambo said the conviction reinforces the principle that every person is equal before the law regardless of their social or political status.

“We are happy. Finally, we’ve seen justice has been served, and we say nobody is above the law. This restores the dignity of the courts and the judicial system in terms of free, fair, transparent and independent processes,” Yambo said.