Human rights activist Hussein Khalid has weighed in on the sentencing proceedings for former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, calling on the court to base its decision on the facts and evidence of the case rather than the emotions surrounding Sharon Otieno's death.
His comments follow an appeal from Sharon's mother, who has asked the court to consider a lighter sentence for Obado — a request that has attracted attention given the painful history of the case and the years-long legal process that preceded it.
Sharon Otieno was killed in September 2018 while seven months pregnant, a case that shocked the country and led to a high-profile murder investigation involving Obado and two co-accused. In July 2026, the Milimani High Court found Obado guilty of her murder following a lengthy trial, marking a major turning point in a case that had remained unresolved for nearly eight years.
With sentencing now before the court, both prosecution and defence have made their submissions. Obado has reportedly asked for a lenient sentence, citing his age, health, and the extended time he has already spent dealing with the case.
Sharon's family, meanwhile, has spoken about the emotional and financial toll the case has taken on them over the years. While her mother's appeal for leniency reflects the family's own position, Khalid's remarks have reignited public debate over how much weight emotion should carry against the letter of the law in sentencing.
In determining the sentence, the court is expected to weigh several factors, including the severity of the offence, the circumstances of the crime, the impact on Sharon's family, and any mitigating factors raised by the defence.
A final ruling is expected once the court has reviewed all submissions, with the case continuing to draw significant public interest as Kenyans await its outcome.
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