The mother of slain Rongo University student Sharon Otieno has appealed to the court to spare former Migori Governor Okoth Obado from a death or life sentence, saying her family has forgiven him and does not want to see him suffer further.
The plea was made during proceedings in the case surrounding Sharon’s 2018 murder, with her mother telling the court that the family had chosen forgiveness despite the pain and loss they endured.
She urged the court to consider a sentence that would not result in Obado spending the rest of his life behind bars or facing the death penalty.
Sharon, who was seven months pregnant at the time, was abducted and later found dead in Homa Bay County in September 2018. The case attracted widespread public attention and led to a lengthy criminal trial.
The prosecution had accused Obado and other suspects of involvement in the killing, allegations that have been contested during the proceedings.
The family’s latest appeal introduces a significant development in the sentencing phase, with Sharon’s mother making clear that she does not want revenge and would rather see the former governor spared the harshest possible punishment.
The court will consider the circumstances of the case, submissions from both the prosecution and defence, and any mitigating factors before determining the appropriate sentence.
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