Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has welcomed the High Court’s conviction of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero for the 2018 murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.

In a statement shared on X on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Passaris described the judgment as a reaffirmation that no one is above the law and paid tribute to Sharon’s family, human rights defenders and everyone involved in the pursuit of justice.

She reflected on the public campaign that followed Sharon’s killing eight years ago, saying the case united many Kenyans who demanded accountability.

“We refused to allow her story to become just another statistic,” Passaris said.

Support for Sharon’s family

Passaris said that although she did not travel to Homa Bay for Sharon’s funeral, she sponsored a bus carrying human rights defenders from Nairobi to attend the burial and stand with the family.

The group was led by Ruth Mumbi, Beatrice Waithera and Rachel Mwikali.

“It was our way of saying that Sharon mattered, that her family was not alone, and that justice was worth pursuing, no matter how long it took,” she said.

The High Court found Obado, Oyamo and Obiero guilty of murdering the 26-year-old second-year university student, who was seven months pregnant when she was killed on September 3, 2018.

Passaris said the verdict could not restore Sharon or her unborn child but marked an important moment in the justice process.

“This verdict cannot bring Sharon or her unborn child back. But it reaffirms a fundamental principle: no one is above the law. Justice delayed is painful, but accountability matters,” she said.

Court reconstructs final moments

During the trial, the court heard evidence on the events leading to Sharon’s death.

According to the judgment, Sharon received a phone call from Oyamo on the afternoon of September 3, 2018, informing her that he had a message from Obado.

She later informed a protected journalist witness, identified in court as XYZ, before the two met Oyamo at Gracia Hotel in Rongo.

Court proceedings heard that Oyamo said the hotel was too open and directed them to a vehicle waiting outside.

After the vehicle changed direction, Oyamo got out and two other men entered. The occupants demanded phones and valuables before questioning Sharon about her relationship with Obado and interrogating the journalist about his reporting.

The journalist later escaped after jumping from the moving vehicle.

The judgment also referred to evidence presented by prosecution witness Mary Mugure, who recovered several items from the scene, including two used condoms, sachets of unused condoms, illicit liquor and a pair of flat shoes.

Call to end gender-based violence

Passaris commended Sharon’s family for remaining steadfast throughout the case and acknowledged the role played by human rights defenders, investigators, prosecutors, witnesses and the Judiciary.

She urged Kenyans to use the judgment as a reminder of the need to strengthen efforts against gender-based violence and ensure victims can access justice.

“As we remember Sharon today, let us renew our commitment to ending gender-based violence, protecting women and girls, and ensuring that every victim has access to justice,” she said.

Passaris concluded her message by paying tribute to Sharon.

“Rest in peace, Sharon. Your life mattered. Your voice mattered. And today, justice has spoken.”

The convictions bring to a close one of Kenya’s most closely watched murder trials. Sentencing of the three convicted persons is expected in the coming days.