This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
On May 29, 2019, Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his personal assistant Michael Oyamo, and County Clerk Casper Obiero appeared in a Nairobi Court during the hearing of an application for Judge Jessie Lesiit to recuse herself from the case.
Justice Lesiit had been accused of bias by Governor Obado's personal assistant Michael Oyamo and county clerk Casper Obiero after she denied them bond in the murder case of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.
Sharon Otieno, the girlfriend of Migori Governor Okoth Obado, was brutally murdered on the night of September 3, 2018, while seven months pregnant.
On Friday, Justice Lesiit said there were no sufficient grounds to claim that she would unfairly handle the trial if she proceeds with it.
"No reasons of conflict interest were advanced to warrant the court to recuse itself," Justice Lesiit said.
Mr Oyamo and Mr Obiero were granted freedom in December 2018 after the Court of Appeal reversed the decision denying them bond, but it was not until April 2 that Mr Obiero was let out.
Mr Obado, who is also charged with the murder, said he had no problem with Justice Lesiit handling the case.
The trial is scheduled to begin on October 9.
