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• Melida Auma, mother of the late Sharon Otieno, made an emotional plea to the court during sentencing proceedings for former Migori Governor Okoth Obado
• Auma asked the judge to consider a non-custodial sentence, saying Obado should be free to help care for Sharon’s three children
• Sharon’s father Douglas Otieno also addressed the court, revealing that Obado’s relatives had visited his home in a reconciliation attempt after the verdict

Sharon Otieno’s mother has made a tearful appeal to a court handling the sentencing of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, urging the judge not to impose a life or death sentence and saying her family has chosen to forgive him.

Melida Auma addressed the court directly, saying the family was not seeking the harshest punishment for the man convicted of murdering her daughter.

Melida Auma’s Plea to the Court

“Don’t crucify Obado in this case. Sharon left her three children behind and I have struggled through this journey. If granted a non-custodial sentence, at least he will be able to help us take care of the children,” Auma told the judge.

Her remarks were a striking departure from what many had anticipated, given that Obado was among those found guilty of Sharon’s murder. Sharon Otieno, who was pregnant at the time of her death, was killed in 2018. Her body was discovered in a bush in Oyugis, Homa Bay County, with multiple stab wounds.

Sharon’s Father Reveals Reconciliation Bid

Sharon’s father, Douglas Otieno, also took the stand to address the court during the sentencing phase. He disclosed that after the guilty verdict was delivered, Obado’s relatives travelled to his home in what appeared to be a reconciliation gesture.

“After the judgment, Obado sent his relatives to my house for a reconciliation attempt. Because of his remorse, a non-custodial sentence is okay. But I am too bitter before this court seeing Oyamo and Casper,” Douglas said, referring to Obado’s two co-accused.

Obado, alongside the two other individuals, was convicted of the murder of Sharon Otieno. The case drew significant public attention in Kenya and raised questions about the conduct of powerful political figures. The sentencing phase is now under way, with the court set to determine the appropriate penalty following the guilty findings.