The family of the late Sharon Otieno has spoken publicly for the first time since the High Court found former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero guilty of her murder, saying the judgment has brought them comfort after years of pain.

Speaking during a special thanksgiving service at Magare God Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Homa Bay County on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Sharon’s parents, Melida Auma and Douglas Otieno, said they were satisfied with the court’s decision, expressing hope that the verdict would help them begin healing from the tragedy that has haunted the family for nearly eight years.

“It has not been easy for the family. The family has been grieving all the way through,” Sharon’s mother, Melida Auma, said during the service.

Online harassment

She also revealed that the family endured years of online harassment following Sharon’s death, saying the abuse added to their suffering.

“Socially, there is a lot of bullying on social media as if I’m not a mother, as if those bullying even the family are not parents, as if Sharon was not somebody’s daughter, as if Sharon did not deserve her dignity,” she said.

Despite the pain, Auma said she had chosen forgiveness, guided by her Christian faith.

“I have forgiven those who might have involved themselves in that act as a Christian, so it is well with that,” she added.

The thanksgiving service marked the family’s first public appearance since the High Court delivered its landmark judgment convicting Obado, Oyamo and Obiero over the brutal killing of Sharon.

Who was Sharon Otieno?

Sharon Otieno was 26 years old and a student at Rongo University when she was murdered in September 2018.

She was heavily pregnant at the time of her death. Her killing shocked the country after allegations emerged linking her romantically to then Migori Governor Obado.

On September 4, 2018, her body was discovered in a thicket near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County, bearing multiple stab wounds.

The case became one of Kenya’s most closely followed murder trials, spanning several years before culminating in the recent convictions.

Speaking during the church service, family members said while the loss of Sharon can never be reversed, they believe justice has finally been served and are hopeful they can now move forward with their lives.

The family also appealed for continued prayers as they navigate the next chapter, saying the court’s decision has helped close a painful chapter while leaving them to continue living with the memories of their daughter.