Sharon Otieno, the girlfriend of embattled Migori governor Okoth Obado will finally be laid to rest today (Friday) at her grandfather’s home in Magare village, Homa Bay County.
Hundreds of mourners have thronged Sharon Otieno grandfather’s home in Magare village in Homabay for her burial. Yesterday, Sharon’s body was removed from MED 25 International- Kenya Hospital Mortuary in Mbita and ferried to her grandfather’s home in Magare village, Homa Bay where she will be buried next to the grave of her unborn baby. In accordance with the Luo traditions, Otieno’s body was brought to their homestead for overnight vigil.
Mr Obado, a key suspect in his girlfriend’s murder case, will most likely follow her burial proceedings in a television news bulletin later in the day, if lucky. The county boss will also be watching as mourners celebrate the life of Ms Otieno in a burial ceremony that has attracted both his political friends and foes.
This is the fourth week the county boss is a State guest and insiders say he is now used to the lowly prison life.
Last week, the prosecution opposed the governor’s bail application as he sought to be released on medical grounds. “We are saying bail is not an absolute right, bail is not mandatory,” said State lawyer Jacob Ondari. “The consideration for bail depends on the seriousness of the offence, likely punishment and the possibility of interference.”
The governor has been receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Mr Obado was arrested in connection with the Rongo University student’s murder on September 21. He is expected back in court next week for a ruling on his application for bail. DNA results linked the governor to the child Ms Otieno was carrying, but the governor’s lawyer Cliff Ombeta said this does not implicate the county boss in the murder and demanded that he be released on bail.
Other key suspects in the murder are Mr Obado’s personal assistant Michael Juma Oyamo and Migori County Assembly Clerk Casper Obiero. They have denied the charges. They are also awaiting determination of their bail application whose hearing is set for October 24.
Only time will tell what awaits the governor.