Court Temporarily Adjourns As Sharon Otieno Parents Delay Obado Sentencing With Emotional Request

The High Court has postponed sentencing for former Migori Governor Okoth Obado to November 27 after hearing final submissions in the murder of Sharon Otieno.

Justice Cecelia Waithaya Githua said the court would retire to consider arguments presented during Wednesday’s proceedings, together with written submissions and other material filed by the parties.

The sentencing will take into account probation reports, Sharon’s victim impact statement, prosecution submissions and defence mitigation.

Obado has pleaded for leniency. A pre-sentence report recommended a non-custodial sentence, citing his age, health and lack of previous convictions.

Sharon’s mother, Melida Auma, appealed for a non-custodial sentence, saying a death or life sentence for Obado would amount to another devastating loss for her family. She said the family had forgiven Obado after he sought forgiveness.

The sentencing follows Githua’s July 23 conviction of Obado, former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former county clerk Caspal Obiero.

The court found Obado financed the killing, Oyamo helped execute it and Obiero assisted in concealing it. All three remain in custody after their bonds were cancelled before final sentencing.

The sentencing of former Migori governor Zachariah Okoth Obado and his two co-convicts has been temporarily delayed after Sharon Otieno’s parents asked the High Court to give them an opportunity to address the court.

The parents appeared before Justice Cecilia Githua at the Milimani High Court on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, as the court prepared to proceed with the sentencing of Obado and his former aides following their conviction in the murder of Sharon Otieno.

Through their lawyer Antony Opondo, the parents told the court they wanted to personally address the judge before she determines the sentences facing the three convicts.

Sharon Otieno’s Parents Demand Chance To Speak Before Sentencing ¶

Opondo informed the court that Sharon’s parents wanted to make representations before Justice Githua proceeded with sentencing.

“My lady, the victim’s parents would want to have a chance to address the court,” the lawyer told the judge.

The request immediately introduced another step into a sentencing process that had been expected to proceed on Wednesday.

However, the parents’ participation faced a practical hurdle. Their lawyer told the court that they do not understand English and would therefore require a Luo interpreter to communicate effectively before the judge.

Court Seeks Luo Interpreter ¶

Justice Githua accepted the request and temporarily adjourned the proceedings to allow the Judiciary to secure a Luo interpreter.

“Following the application by the deceased parents’ lawyer, we are going to adjourn for court to get the interpreter,” Justice Githua ruled.

The decision ensures that Sharon’s parents can participate in proceedings in a language they understand as the court moves towards determining the punishment for those convicted over her murder.

Judge to Decide Order of Submissions ¶

Justice Githua also indicated that she would give directions on the order in which the parties will address the court once the interpreter is available.

The judge will determine whether Sharon’s parents will speak first, followed by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, or whether the convicts will make their representations before the other parties.

The sentencing proceedings therefore remain pending as the court makes arrangements for the interpreter and determines how the various parties will present their submissions.

The case has attracted significant public attention since Sharon Otieno was abducted and murdered in 2018, with the High Court later finding Obado and his two former aides guilty.