Monday September 10, 2018 – By Scophine Aoko
Migori Governor Okoth Obado’s personal assistant Michael Oyamo is expected to take plea over Sharon Otieno’s murder at the Homa Bay High court on Tuesday.
Senior resident magistrate Lester Simiyu directed that Oyamo should appear in the court at 9am for the same citing violation of the suspect’s rights should he continue being in custody since his arrest on Tuesday last week.
Simiyu granted the state 24 hours to hold the suspect and draw charges against Oyamo for him to take the plea.
Oyamo is expected to appear before Justice Joseph Karanja of the Homa Bay High court for the plea taking.
Seven other suspects, who have been implicated in the murder including former Kanyadoto MCA Lawrence Mula, are yet to appear in court.
Burial Place Battle
But as the legal process in seeking justice for Ms Otieno’s brutal murder gins, her family is embroiled in a bitter tussle over here final resting place.
A family meeting turned nasty after the deceased’s uncle tried to talk about her marital status.
Trouble began when Okong’o was handed the microphone to address guests who included Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga, her counterparts Pamela Odhiambo (Migori), Rosa Buyu (Kisumu) and Janet Ong’era (Kisii).
He began by revealing the background of Sharon’s marriage. “I want everybody to know that Sharon was a married woman and she separated with her husband in January,” he said. The crowd booed him but he was not cowed.
“The husband has never appeared in this home but we need him because Sharon will not be buried here due to our cultural beliefs,” said Okong’o who is a brother to Sharon’s mother.
A number of youth who were present intervened; Sharon’s father Douglas Otieno snatched the microphone from him as activities came to a standstill
Acting Kanyabala Chief Simeon Onano rescued Okong’o by leading him to his car.
As this happened, the man said to be Sharon’s husband, Bernard Okuta has also broken his silence.
Okuta, Sharon’s former husband, has said people should avoid speculating about her death and let the police and other investigating agencies get to the bottom of the murder.
Speaking to Journalists at Rapogi High School in Uriri Sub-county, Migori County on Sunday, Mr Okuta said he believes the killers will be known.
Although he confirmed that Ms Otieno was married to him, he declined to speak about their marriage, saying that the matter is too emotive for him to comment on.
Sharon’s Uncle Okong’o being led away by area chief
“This matter is too emotive for me to comment. If I wanted to comment about it, I would have done so long ago. I would rather leave the matter to the police and other investigators to find out what happened. That is all I can say,” the soft-spoken Mr Okuta said.
He maintained that the family spokesperson, Mr Joshua Okong’o, had said all that was necessary.
“What the spokesperson of the family said about the family of the deceased is enough. I will not say anything. Please go and talk to the police for more information,” he said, then left for the staffroom.
Sources said that Mr Okuta and Ms Otieno separated last year.
At the time of her death, she was living with her parents in Homa Bay County.
“The two separated a few months after Sharon joined Rongo University. They separated due to marital problems and Sharon relocated to her parents’ home,” said an employee at the school, who requested anonymity.
