The year 2018 has not been the best especially to the family of Mr Douglas Otieno father to slain Rongo University Student Sharon Otieno who was brutally murdered in August 2018, her death shaking the nation because of the high-profile persons suspected to have been involved.
Her family now says reality is now sinking, and the grave is a constant reminder that she will never be back.However the main suspects are still in remand and one is out of remand awaiting case hearing mid 2019.
Migori Governor Okoth Obado who was pinned as the main suspect was released on a Sh5 million bail by High Court Judge Jessie Lesiit but his co-accused – Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero were denied bail.
According to Sharon’s parents Ms Melida Auma and Douglas Otieno, they feel like justice may not prevail.
Ms Auma has who has since developed high blood pressure following the daughter’s ordeal says that things have since last year gone silent.
“My daughter’s death should not be in vain. It aches our hearts that things suddenly went silent, but we hope justice will finally be done and her killers will be made to pay for their sins,” Ms Auma said.
In addition she said, “Who is praying for us especially Sharon’s orphaned children? Why should he be prayed for before after us? Our spirits are still very low and we are left to wonder why he did not call for prayers for a girl he claimed to have loved.”
According to Mr.Otieno, “I usually wake up early at times at 4am to just go visit her grave. It satisfies me to know she and her baby lie beneath the soil.”
Ms Otieno and Mr Oduor were kidnapped but the journalists managed to jump out of their abductor’s moving car and incurred serious injuries.
Sharon left behind three children, with the last born in Standard Six.
The family says they have been receiving “funny” visitors who think they were given money by well-wishers.
“We wish to tell Kenyans that we do not have any money with us and those visiting us with ill motives should stop,” Ms Auma, who adds that some con people had already made away with over Sh40,000, said.