The fate of three men charged with the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno and her unborn child will be known on Thursday when the High Court delivers a judgment in a case that has gripped the country for almost eight years.
The decision, to be delivered at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, is expected to bring to an end one of Kenya's longest-running and most followed murder trials, whose outcome has been widely awaited by Sharon's family, rights groups and members of the public.
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, former Migori County communications director Michael Oyamo and former county clerk Caspal Obiero are facing charges over the deaths of Sharon and her unborn baby. They have all denied the charges.
Ahead of the ruling, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) reaffirmed its support for Sharon's family, saying it has stood with them throughout the court process as they seek justice.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the organisation said it has closely monitored the proceedings since Sharon was killed and remains committed to supporting the family until the case is concluded.
"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 organisation said.
Sharon disappeared on September 3, 2018, before her body and that of her unborn baby were found the following day in a thicket near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay County.
Her killing shocked the nation and sparked fresh debate over violence against women and the need for accountability in such crimes.
FIDA-Kenya said the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions called 42 witnesses during the hearing of the case. The prosecution relied on witness accounts, mobile phone records, SMS messages and WhatsApp conversations as part of its evidence.
The organisation said the evidence presented by PW9 and PW38 placed one of the accused among the last people seen with Sharon before she was killed.
The trial stretched over several years after facing interruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and later court scheduling challenges.
"Despite these delays, Sharon's family has remained focused on pursuing justice through the judicial process," FIDA-Kenya said.
As the country awaits the verdict, the organisation appealed to Kenyans to allow the court to complete its work without interference.
"We trust that the Court's determination will be guided solely by the evidence presented and the applicable law," FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu said.
She said FIDA-Kenya will issue another statement once the judgment has been delivered.
The ruling is expected to attract nationwide attention as it will determine whether the three accused persons bear criminal responsibility for the deaths of Sharon and her unborn child. It will also close a case that has remained a key reference point in discussions on justice, accountability and the protection of women from gender-based violence.