Obado did not kill Sharon Otieno, says lawyer Cliff Ombeta

Criminal lawyer Cliff Ombeta has publicly questioned the conviction of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado in the murder of Sharon Otieno, arguing that the evidence presented during the trial did not directly link his client to the crime scene or the commission of the offence.

His remarks come a day after the High Court convicted Obado, alongside his co-accused Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, of the 2018 murder, a verdict that has sparked widespread public debate. 

In a post shared on his social media platform, Ombeta maintained that Obado was innocent, insisting the prosecution had failed to prove its case against him beyond reasonable doubt.

"Obado did not commit that offence. I don't know about the others. Even the circumstantial evidence (non-existent) could not put him in any scene or act," Ombeta said.

The advocate further criticised the reasoning adopted by the trial court, arguing that the judge relied on assumptions rather than concrete evidence to reach the verdict.

 "The court (Judge) imagined he was afraid of publicity and embarrassment and therefore..." Ombeta stated.

He also posed a question that appeared to challenge the prosecution's theory of the case, suggesting other possibilities had not been sufficiently explored.

 "Was it possible other family did it.." he asked.

High Court yesterday ruled that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Obado, Oyamo and Obiero acted with a common intention in the killing of Sharon Otieno.

Justice Cecilia Githua held that the evidence demonstrated Obado financed the execution of the murder, while his co-accused played different roles in carrying out and concealing the crime. 

The court further found that although Obado was not physically present at the scene of crime, the evidence presented established his involvement in planning and facilitating the offence.

Following the conviction, the court cancelled the bond terms for the three convicts and ordered that they remain in custody pending sentencing. 

Ombeta's remarks are expected to fuel further legal and public discussion over one of Kenya's most high-profile murder cases, particularly as the defence prepares for the next stage of the proceedings, including mitigation and any possible appeal against the conviction.