Murder Trial of Ex-Governor Obado Delayed After Co-Accused Loses Wife, Child

Migori, Kenya (April 22, 2024) - The high-profile murder trial involving former Migori Governor Okoth Obado took an unexpected turn this week as proceedings were postponed until May 6th due to a personal tragedy involving one of the co-accused.

Obado, who was charged in 2018 over the gruesome killing of Sharon Otieno, a 26-year-old university student, had been scheduled to appear in court all week for the continuation of the long-running case. However, on Monday, defense attorneys informed Justice Cecilia Githua of the heartbreaking situation faced by Obado's co-defendant, Caspal Obiero.

According to Obiero's lawyers, Meso Ogada and Elisha Ongoya, the accused man lost his wife and child in a devastating road accident back in March. The court heard that while the fatal crash occurred weeks ago, the delay in funeral arrangements until May was necessitated by financial difficulties as well as the observance of important Luo cultural rituals surrounding such tragic losses.

"The accident happened in March and the reason as to why they are burying the two people in May is because of financial issues and also the Luo culture which has pre and post-rituals to be performed especially when you lose a wife," Ogada explained to Justice Githua.

The defense requested that Obiero be granted time away from the courtroom to properly grieve his loved ones and make arrangements for their befitting send-off, a request the court deemed reasonable given the circumstances.

"He is unable to appear in court and participate in the proceedings as he was preparing for the funeral," Ongoya stated, appealing to the court and prosecution to allow Obiero this essential period.

The Sharon Otieno case has garnered significant national attention since Obado, a prominent political figure at the time, was accused of being involved in the brutal murder of the student, who was also pregnant. The 18-month trial has seen scores of witnesses testify, but proceedings have faced numerous delays and adjournments over the years.

With the latest postponement, both the prosecution and defense legal teams now have a few extra weeks to prepare for the resumption of the hotly-followed case on May 6th. All eyes remain on the Milimani High Court as Kenya awaits the final verdict for the former governor and his co-accused.