The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has welcomed the conviction of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero in the murder of Sharon Otieno, describing the judgement as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and accountability for victims of serious crimes.
In a statement issued on Thursday following the High Court's judgment, Ingonga said the convictions marked an important step in ensuring perpetrators of grave offences are held accountable under the law.
"The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) welcomes the judgment delivered today by the High Court in the murder trial of the late Sharon Otieno, in which former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo, and Caspal Obiero were found guilty of her murder," the statement said.
The prosecution said it was satisfied with the court's decision and expressed hope that the sentence to be handed down would reflect the seriousness of the offence.
"The DPP expresses satisfaction with the Court's decision, describing the conviction as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and accountability for victims of serious crimes. The Office looks forward to an appropriate and deterrent sentence that reflects the gravity of the offence and serves the interests of justice," the statement added.
The DPP also reflected on the life of Sharon Otieno, describing her as a young woman whose future was cut short by a brutal crime that shocked the nation.
Sharon was a 28-year-old university graduate, a mother of three and was 28 weeks pregnant when she was abducted and murdered in 2018.
The prosecution said her killing highlighted the urgent need to strengthen accountability in cases involving gender-based violence and other serious crimes.
"She had a promising future before she was abducted and unlawfully killed in a crime that shocked the nation and underscored the urgent need for accountability in cases of gender-based and violent crime," the statement read.
The DPP commended the team that handled the investigation and prosecution of the case, crediting their professionalism and collaboration for securing the convictions.
The Office specifically recognised the prosecution team led by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Wangui Gichuhi, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), witnesses and other stakeholders within the criminal justice system.
"The DPP commends the prosecution team led by Wangui Gichuhi, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (SADPP), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), witnesses, and all stakeholders within the criminal justice system whose professionalism, dedication, and collaboration contributed to the successful investigation and prosecution of this case," the statement said.
The ODPP reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting homicide and other serious offences without fear or favour, saying it would continue to pursue justice in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
"The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reiterates its unwavering commitment to the diligent prosecution of homicide and other serious offences. The ODPP affirms that it will continue to pursue justice impartially, fearlessly, professionally, and in strict accordance with the Constitution and the law," the statement said.