The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has called for calm and confidence in the judicial process ahead of the High Court's judgment in the murder case of Sharon Otieno, whose killing in 2018 sparked national outrage.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FIDA-Kenya said the High Court is scheduled to deliver its judgment on Thursday, July 23, at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi in the case of
Republic v Obado & 2 Others (Criminal Case 46 of 2018).
The organisation said it has closely followed the proceedings as a court watcher and has stood with Sharon's family throughout the trial as they seek justice for the deaths of Sharon and her unborn child.
"FIDA-Kenya is watching brief for Sharon Otieno's family and has continued to stand with them throughout the judicial process as they seek justice for the tragic loss of their daughter and her unborn child," the statement said.
Sharon Otieno was abducted on September 3, 2018. Her body, together with that of her unborn child, was discovered a day later in a thicket near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County.
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero were subsequently charged with her murder in a case that has become one of Kenya's most closely watched criminal trials.
According to FIDA-Kenya, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions built its case using testimony from 42 prosecution witnesses, alongside electronic evidence that included SMS messages, WhatsApp communications and mobile phone call records.
The organisation noted that among the witnesses were PW9 and PW38, whose testimony placed one of the accused among the people seen with Sharon during her abduction and before her death.
FIDA-Kenya said the trial had taken several years to conclude, partly due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting interruptions to court operations.
"The case has taken several years to conclude, owing in part to disruptions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting court operations," the statement said.
Despite the delays, the organisation said Sharon's family had remained steadfast in pursuing justice through the courts.
As the country awaits the verdict, FIDA-Kenya expressed confidence that the High Court would determine the matter solely on the basis of the evidence presented and the applicable law.
"As the Court prepares to deliver its judgment tomorrow, FIDA-Kenya reaffirms its confidence in the administration of justice and its commitment to supporting Sharon's family throughout the process. We trust that the Court's determination will be guided solely by the evidence presented and the applicable law," the organisation said.
FIDA-Kenya added that it would issue a further statement after the judgment is delivered.
The case has remained in the public spotlight since Sharon's killing nearly eight years ago, with Thursday's judgment expected to mark a significant milestone in one of the country's most prominent murder trials.