Who was Sharon Otieno? Her death and the key court rulings
By David Nthua, July 23, 2026The late Sharon Otieno was a 26-year-old second-year student at Rongo University and a mother of three. Her full name was Sharon Belyne Otieno.
She was the first-born daughter of Douglas Otieno and Melida Auma. After her death, her parents took responsibility for the three children she left behind.
Sharon was pursuing her university education while raising her children. During the opening of the criminal trial in July 2021, the prosecution described her as a daughter, mother, elder sister, student and family provider.
Her mother later told the High Court that the family had supported Sharon’s return to school. They wanted her to complete her studies and build a better future for herself and her children.
At the time of her death, Sharon was 28 weeks pregnant.
Sharon Otieno’s death
Sharon was abducted on September 3, 2018, after leaving Graca Hotel in Rongo alongside journalist Barrack Oduor.
Oduor escaped from the moving vehicle. Sharon’s body was found the following day in a thicket near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County.
Government pathologist Johansen Oduor told the High Court that Sharon died from severe blood loss caused by penetrating force trauma.
The post-mortem examination documented seven stab wounds and two slash wounds. The pathologist also examined the 28-week-old unborn child and documented an abdominal injury.
Former Migori Governor Zacharia Okoth Obado, Michael Juma Oyamo and Casper Ojwang Obiero were charged in connection with Sharon’s death and that of her unborn child. All three denied the charges.
Past court rulings in Sharon Otieno case
The High Court released Obado after he deposited Ksh5 million cash bail and provided two sureties of Ksh5 million each.
Justice Jessie Lessit initially denied Oyamo and Obiero bail. The court found that releasing them at the time could affect public order and peace.
Court of Appeal frees Oyamo and Obiero
Oyamo and Obiero challenged the High Court decision at the Court of Appeal.
In February 2019, the appellate court granted each of them Ksh1 million cash bail or a Ksh2 million bond.
Justices Mohamed Warsame, Daniel Musinga and Otieno Odek noted that peace had prevailed after Obado’s release. They found no sufficient basis to hold that releasing the two would disturb public order.
Sharon family lawyer disqualified
In December 2019, the High Court disqualified lawyer George Wajackoyah from representing Sharon’s family.
Justice Grace Ngenye found that Wajackoyah had received privileged information from Obado before the plea was taken. The court held that his continued participation would create a conflict of interest and could prejudice the trial.
Accused persons placed on their defence
On January 30, 2025, Justice Cecilia Githua found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case concerning Sharon’s death.
The court placed Obado, Oyamo and Obiero on their defence. It expressly stated that the decision was not a determination of guilt or innocence. A final decision could only be made after considering the prosecution evidence, defence evidence and submissions.
Court dismisses murder count involving unborn child
In the same ruling, the High Court acquitted the three on the second count, which had been framed as the murder of Sharon’s unborn child.
Justice Githua found that the foetus had died before proceeding alive from Sharon’s body. Under Sections 203 and 214 of the Penal Code, it did not meet the legal definition of a person capable of being murdered.
The court stated that the evidence supported the separate offence of killing an unborn child. However, none of the accused persons had been charged with that offence under Section 228 of the Penal Code.
Final judgment in Sharon Otieno murder case
The prosecution called 42 witnesses during the trial. The accused persons later presented their defences and denied taking part in Sharon’s death.
The High Court scheduled the final judgment for Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Milimani Law Courts. Until that judgment is delivered, the three remain entitled to the presumption of innocence.