NAIROBI — The long-running murder trial over the killing of university student Sharon Otieno resumes today in Nairobi, with a key accused set to take the witness stand.
Michael Oyamo, the former personal assistant to ex-Migori Governor Okoth Obado, is expected to testify as the High Court proceeds with hearings into one of Kenya’s most closely watched murder cases in recent years.
Justice Cecilia Githua, who is presiding over the trial, on Monday rejected Oyamo’s bid to alter the order in which defence witnesses would appear. The judge ruled that the accused must first establish their case before presenting their witnesses an established legal principle in criminal proceedings.
“The law is clear on the order of testimony,” Justice Githua said. “The accused must lead their own defence before calling other witnesses.”
A Shocking Murder, Years Later
The murder of Sharon Otieno in 2018 shocked the country. At the time, she was a student at Rongo University and seven months pregnant. Her body was found in a forest in Homa Bay County, bearing signs of torture.
Okoth Obado, then Governor of Migori County, was arrested alongside Oyamo and another aide, Caspal Obiero. All three were charged with murder. They have pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors allege the killing was planned to silence Sharon after she reportedly became pregnant by the governor. The state has accused the trio of orchestrating her abduction and murder in a bid to protect Obado’s political career.
The former governor has consistently denied any involvement.
“I am innocent,” Obado told reporters outside court at the start of the trial. “I have faith in the justice system.”
Slow Justice and High Stakes
The trial has moved slowly, with multiple delays, adjournments, and procedural motions. For Sharon’s family, the wait has been painful.
“Every hearing brings back the trauma,” said one family member, who asked not to be named. “We just want the truth.”
Today’s hearing is expected to be tense, with lawyers for all three accused ready to cross-examine witnesses and press their defence.
Legal analysts say the testimony of Mr Oyamo could prove pivotal.
“He’s not just any witness he’s one of the accused,” said constitutional lawyer Steve Ogola. “What he says on the stand could either crack open the case or cement the prosecution’s claims.”
The trial continues under tight security, with public interest showing no signs of waning.
Whether justice will finally be served remains the question at the heart of a case that has come to symbolize the dangers faced by young women who speak truth to power in Kenya.
