42 witnesses later, Obado murder trial wraps up hearing of testimonies
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga on Friday closed the murder case of university student Sharon Otieno against former Migori Governor Okoth Obado.
In the course of the six-year-old case, a total of 42 witnesses testified.
Immediately after the closure of the trial, lead defence lawyer, Senior Counsel Kioko Kilukumi, told Justice Cecilia Githua that “he would submit for no case to answer in favour of Obado.”
“Your Ladyship Justice Githua, I will be making submissions for no case to answer against Obado then urge this court to acquit him since evidence tendered herein exonerates him from the murder,” Kilukumi said.
Sharon and her unborn baby boy were killed on the night of September 3, 2018.
On the part of the DPP, prosecution counsel Gikui Gichuhi and Allen Mulama will be asking the court to make a finding that Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and a former Migori county employee Caspal Obiero have a case to answer and should be put on their defence.
Ms Gichuhi and Mr Mulama presented evidence showing that Oyamo is the one who liased with Sharon on the fateful day before she rode a vehicle which drove her to the death field in Homa Bay.
The vehicle is owned by Obiero’s wife Olive Odhiambo Oloo.
Lead Investigator Nicholas Ole Sena told Justice Githua that investigations which he conducted revealed that Sharon was in the company of a journalist who jumped from the speeding vehicle leaving the pregnant student with her kidnappers who later murdered her together with her unborn child in a forest.
Wrapping up his testimony, lead detective Ole Sena told the court that Sharon’s pregnancy came to be known to Obado’s wife during their London trip.
“You were asked by defence lawyers about the secret relationship between Obado and Sharon. What did you establish during your probe,” Ms Gichuhi asked Ole Sena.
In response the detective said: “The wife (Obado’s wife) knew about the affair when they were together in London, Britain.”
The officer also told the court that there were interactions between Obado’s son and Sharon.
Ole Sena further told the court that at some point Sharon sent some scanned pictures to Obado’s son which he shared with the family.
The detective said Oyamo asked the journalist whom he identified as XYZ and Sharon to board the vehicle driven Jackson Gombe who was employed by Olive Oloo the wife Caspal Obiero.
He said the case was of great public interest since it involved a sitting governor.
Ole Sena confirmed to Justice Githua that Obado was at Raila Odinga’s Karen home Nairobi on September 3, 2018 between 5pm and 9pm.
His evidence corroborated by call data records obtained from Safaricom and produced in court by one of their employees which show that throughout the night of September 2, 2018 to September 5, 2018, Obado was in Nairobi.
Officer Quinto Odeo Etyang, who testified on May 13, 2023, produced Safaricom records which captured Obado in Nairobi at 18.27hrs.
“I confirm that throughout the night of September 2, 2018 and going to September 3, 2018, the subscriber (Obado) spent the night in Nairobi,” said the witness.
The situation was the same till September 5, 2018.
Results of a DNA test conducted on the slain foetus conclusively showed that Obado was the father of the unborn child.
In his testimony, Ole Sena said they have no evidence to prove that Obado was involved, or had knowledge or consent of Sharon’s abduction.
There was also no evidence that Obado was involved in the abduction of the journalist who was in the company of Sharon on the night she met her death.
“We don’t have any knowledge or evidence that Obado participated in the killing of the deceased,” Ole Sena said.
At the same time, Justice Githua has allowed Obado to visit China between June 20, 2024 and July 4, 2024.
The judge directed the deputy registrar to give Obado his passport then return it on July 9, 2024 after the Chinese trip.
Obado, Oyamo and Obiero have denied murdering Sharon and her unborn child on the night of September 3, 2018 at a forest in Homa Bay County. The accused persons are out on bond.
The judge will communicate on the date the defence and prosecution will appear virtually for submissions of no case to answer.
rmunguti@ke.nationmedia.com
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.