Sharon Otieno’s family has opened up about the emotional toll and ongoing difficulties they face following the conviction of former Migori governor Okoth Obado and his co-accused for her 2018 murder.
The family spoke from their home in Magare Village, Homa Bay county, days after the court found Obado, Caspar Obiero, and Michael Oyamo guilty in the high-profile case that spanned eight years.
Emotional Strain and Financial Burden
Melida Auma, Sharon’s mother, broke down as she recounted the pain of attending every court session since Sharon’s body was discovered near Kodera Forest on September 3, 2018.
Her husband, Douglas Otieno, recalled being the first to see Sharon’s body and the lasting trauma of the stab wounds he witnessed.
Despite the conviction, Melida says the family continues to endure online harassment and social media bullying, questioning her parenting and safety even after the verdict.
She emphasized the mental anguish the family faces with each new development in the case.
Raising Three Grandchildren Alone
Sharon, who was 26 and pregnant when she was killed, left behind three children aged 11, 10, and 8 years old. The grandchildren are being raised by their grandparents in Homa Bay.
Melida admitted that repeated court trips to Nairobi depleted the family’s resources, leaving little for household development or child upbringing.
“The only development is to go to court, and even upbringing these children has never been easy,” she said.
Court Findings
The court determined that Obado financed the murder, Oyamo was involved in carrying it out, and Obiero helped conceal the crime. Their actions were deemed to have a common intent and malice aforethought.
Melida expressed that regardless of the conviction, the family’s pain remains profound.
