“The Court Is the Ultimate Decision Maker”: State Rejects Sharon Otieno’s Family’s Plea for Obado
In an unexpected twist during sentencing proceedings, the parents of slain journalism student Sharon Otieno have asked the court to consider reconciliation and a non-custodial sentence for former Migori Governor Okoth Obado.
Through their lawyer, the parents urged the judge to spare Obado jail time, revealing that their relationship with the former governor has remained cordial, even during the period when Sharon was still alive.
The family’s stance surfaced as the High Court heard final submissions regarding the punishment for Obado, alongside his co-convicts Caspal Obiero and Michael Oyamo, following their murder convictions.
While the prosecution acknowledged the parents’ request and noted that victim family perspectives carry weight in sentencing, state attorneys made it clear that a family’s wishes cannot dictate the final verdict.
“This is an offense against the state… the court is the ultimate decision maker,” the state submitted.
State prosecutors pushed for stiff penalties, urging the judge to carefully weigh the severity of the crime alongside key aggravating factors. The prosecution argued that the trio carried out a premeditated murder through coordinated action, executing distinct roles under a shared design to end Sharon’s life. According to the State, this high degree of advance planning significantly increases the culpability of all three men.
Additionally, prosecutors highlighted that the convicts were public officials and close associates known directly to the victim. The state also pointed out that no evidence suggests Sharon acted in self-defense before her death.
While the prosecution confirmed that the court may treat Obado, Obiero, and Oyamo as first-time offenders due to their lack of prior criminal records, it reiterated that the brutal circumstances of the crime must dictate the final penalty.
Courts Adjourns Sentencing to November
With all submissions now filed, the court is currently reviewing the arguments from the prosecution, defense teams, and Sharon’s family before handing down the final sentence.
Subsequently, the High Court has moved the sentencing dates to November 27. Justice Cecelia Waithaya Githua said the court reviewed the submissions from all parties, including the views raised by secondary victims who have been affected by the case.
“The court has been informed by the parties, together with the written submissions on litigation, and will deliver its ruling on sentence on the 27th of November,” the judge stated.
Justice Githua added that the court would now retire to consider the issues raised during Wednesday’s proceedings before determining the appropriate sentence. She said the court scheduled the ruling for a later date because it will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, September 17.
The post “The Court Is the Ultimate Decision Maker”: State Rejects Sharon Otieno’s Family’s Plea for Obado appeared first on Nairobi Wire.