Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has described the conviction of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado for the murder of university student Sharon Otieno as a landmark moment in the fight against impunity, saying it should pave the way for justice in other unresolved cases involving alleged abuse of power.

In a statement on Friday July 24, 2026, Odhiambo said the verdict was a powerful reminder that political office should never shield individuals from accountability.

“Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado’s conviction for the brutal murder of Sharon Otieno is a searing indictment of how power, patriarchy and impunity have operated in our politics for years,” she said.

Rule of law

Odhiambo noted that Sharon’s family, women’s rights defenders and journalists had endured nearly eight years of waiting for justice while repeatedly reliving the circumstances surrounding her abduction and killing.

She said the judgment had demonstrated that the rule of law can prevail despite the influence of powerful public figures.

“The law can, and must, pierce the armour of political office,” she said.

The LSK president argued that the ruling should serve as a turning point for other unresolved cases, urging investigators and prosecutors to pursue accountability without fear or favour.

Other victims demanding justice

She singled out cases including those of Baby Pendo and Albert Ojwang, saying justice should not end with Sharon Otieno’s case but extend to all victims whose lives were allegedly cut short through abuse of state power.

“Justice cannot stop with Sharon. It must extend to Baby Pendo, Albert Ojwang and thousands of other Kenyans whose lives were cut short through abuse of state power,” Odhiambo said.

She further called for reforms aimed at strengthening criminal investigations, accelerating court processes and dismantling systems that protect perpetrators because of their political influence or the vulnerability of victims.

According to Odhiambo, every successfully concluded case brings hope to families who have spent years seeking answers in police stations, mortuaries and courtrooms.

Addressing survivors and bereaved families, she said the Constitution guarantees equal justice for all Kenyans regardless of status or political considerations.

“Our duty is to insist that no Kenyan death at the hands of power is too old or too political for accountability,” she said.