Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his co-accused Caspal Obiero and Michael Oyamo are set to learn their fate on November 27, when the court is expected to sentence them over the murder of journalism student Sharon Otieno.
The three will return to court after being convicted in the long-running case and making their respective mitigation submissions.
The sentencing will determine the punishment each convict will receive for their roles in Sharon’s death.
During the mitigation hearing, Sharon’s parents appealed to the court to consider a non-custodial sentence for Obado. Her father, Douglas Zachariah Otieno, said the family had previously maintained a cordial relationship with the former governor.
Douglas also told the court that Obado had sent relatives to his home to seek reconciliation, prompting him to speak publicly about his daughter’s death after years of silence.
He said he would accept a non-custodial sentence if the court found it appropriate, describing Obado as remorseful.
The prosecution acknowledged the family’s position but maintained that the parents’ wishes could not determine the final sentence. Prosecutors told the court that the offence was committed against the State and that the sentencing decision ultimately rested with the judge.
The State urged the court to consider the seriousness of the crime and what it described as aggravating circumstances. Prosecutors argued that Sharon’s killing was planned and involved coordinated actions by the three convicts, who allegedly played different roles in carrying out the crime.
The prosecution further pointed to the relationship between the accused and Sharon, noting that they were known to her and that there was no evidence suggesting she had acted in self-defence.
Although the three may be regarded as first offenders based on their previous records, prosecutors asked the court to consider the circumstances surrounding the murder.
The court will consider submissions from the prosecution, defence and Sharon’s family before handing down the sentences on November 27.
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