NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 16 – The High Court will on November 27 deliver the sentences of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his two co-convicts following their conviction for the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.

📻 Breaking It Down

Justice Cecilia Githua set the date on Wednesday after hearing mitigation submissions from the prosecution, the victims’ family and the defence teams.

The ruling will be delivered after the court’s annual recess, with Justice Githua saying the break had necessitated the postponement of the sentencing.

“We will deliver ruling on sentence on November 27. You will recall that I had indicated that the court is commencing its annual leave tomorrow and that’s why it will be delivered then,” Justice Githua said.

📌 What You Need to Know

Obado, 64, was convicted alongside his former personal assistant Michael Juma Oyamo and former Migori County official Caspal Ojwang Obiero on July 23 after the court found that the prosecution had proved the murder case beyond reasonable doubt.

The three will now remain in custody until the court determines the appropriate punishment, with the judge expected to consider the circumstances of the offence, individual culpability and the mitigation presented by each convict.

During the mitigation hearing, State Counsel Gukui Gichuhi urged the court to impose sentences that reflect the seriousness of the offence, protect the interests of the public and uphold confidence in the administration of justice.

The prosecution asked the court to assess each convict individually while considering factors such as whether they were first offenders, their previous character, physical condition, prospects of rehabilitation, remorse, reconciliation, personal and family circumstances and the period they have spent in custody.

The State also told the court there was no evidence of provocation, self-defence or other sudden circumstances that could substantially reduce the convicts’ responsibility for the offence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has separately asked the court to consider the circumstances surrounding the murder and the individual role played by each of the three men when determining their sentences.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya