By Kisasa News
For the first time, Obado came face to face with Sharon’s parents in court.
Migori Governor Okoth Obado faces a maximum death penalty sentence after being charged with the murder of university student Sharon Otieno.
Sharon’s mother was in the courtroom to witness the event and was overcome with tears. Sharon’s father comforted her and wiped away her tears of pain.
Mr Obado was charged before Justice Jessie Lesiit and placed under the custody of prison authorities, together with hardcore criminals facing capital offenses.
A mental assessment confirmed that the governor was fit to stand trial and as the charge of murder was read out to him, he responded “not guilty”.
“The accused person is charged with the offence of murder and the particulars of the case states that you, Zachary Okoth Obado, between September 3 and 4, 2018, at Owande area in Rachuonyo within Homa Bay County jointly murdered Sharon Belyne Otieno,” read the charge sheet.
Should the court deny him bail, Obado’s political life will be at stake as Deputy Governor Nelson Mwita will take over as governor until the end of their term.
Article 182(d) of the Constitution provides that the governor’s office shall be vacant if the holder is convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment for at least 12 months.
This is the reason why the governor, in his affidavit seeking to be released on bail, pleaded with the court to consider the political stakes, stating that the people of Migori would suffer irreparable loss for being denied the opportunity to be led by the governor of their choice.
Let’s hope justice is served and that Kenya finally get some confidence that the courts will treat the Governor same way any other normal average citizen would have been treated.
