Sharon Otieno’s family welcomes Obado conviction, says justice finally served after 8 years
By Emmanuel Rono, July 23, 2026The late Sharon Otieno’s family has welcomed the conviction in her murder case, saying the judgment marks the end of an agonising eight-year wait for justice.
Speaking outside the courtroom shortly after the verdict on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the family’s lawyer, Victor Hezekiah, said the family is grateful for the court’s decision, describing the long legal process as “gruesome.”
“For us, together with the family, we are grateful to the court for the judgment that has been rendered. It has been a gruesome eight years. We are happy with the conviction. We believe that justice has at last been served to Sharon,” Hezekiah said.
What delayed the case
He noted that the case had faced several delays over the years, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, transfers of judges and changes in the judicial officers handling the matter.
Despite the setbacks, Hezekiah said the family was satisfied that the court had finally delivered justice.
He added that the legal team would analyse the full judgment once the court releases the proofread copy before commenting further on its contents.
The lawyer also welcomed the court’s decision to reject an application by the defence to allow the convicted persons to remain on bond pending sentencing.
He explained that the presumption of innocence ends once an accused person is convicted, and while courts have discretion to extend bond terms after conviction, such decisions depend on the circumstances of each case.
“We are glad that the application was disallowed. In light of the nature and weight of this case, it was almost improbable that the court would grant such an application,” he said.
Although he had not yet met Sharon’s family immediately after the judgment, Hezekiah said he was confident they were relieved by the outcome.
“I believe that the family is happy because they have been waiting for justice for long. Eight years is not a short time. With the conviction rendered today, I believe the family is happy that justice has finally been served for their daughter,” he said.
Court ruling on Obado
Milimani High Court found former Migori Governor Zachariah Okoth Obado guilty of the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.
In a detailed judgment delivered on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Lady Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that the prosecution had proved Obado’s involvement in the killing of his former lover Sharon.
The court noted that although none of the 42 prosecution witnesses directly witnessed the killing, the chain of circumstantial evidence irresistibly pointed to the guilt of the accused persons.
“The first accused had a strong motive to ensure that his illicit relationship was not known by the public, thus making him a beneficiary of the death of the deceased,” Judge Githua ruled.