Melida Auma, mother of slain Rongo University student Sharon Otieno has finally opened up about claims that she has been asking upkeep from Migori Governor Okoth Obado, a key suspect in her daughter’s murder.
Sharon’s mother has rebuffed the reports stating that it was Obado’s people who were out to tarnish the family’s name.According to Auma, a blogger had been paid to peddle lies that she had requested help from the County Government of Migori for Sharon’s remaining two children.
“We do not want to be involved in any way with Migori County or any of its employee. We have not asked for any help from them. We know some of those spreading and producing such news are Obado’s people,” said Auma.
Sharon Otieno’s body will be brought to their homestead on October 17 for overnight stay in accordance with the Luo custom, and be buried at her grandfather’s homestead on October 18, same place where her 7-month old baby was laid to rest three weeks ago.
Douglas Otieno, Sharon’s father who spoke yesterday, said the decision to conclude his daughter’s final journey had been reached upon by a belief that their daughter would get justice.
“We have seen suspects connected to her murder arraigned in court. We are happy with the investigations so far and believe her killers will pay for their crimes,” said Mr. Otieno.
Key suspects connected to Sharon’s murder who include, Migori Governor and Michael Oyamo are being held at Industrial Area Remand Prison and will remain guests of the state as investigations continue.
Police in Homa Bay had impounded a car (Toyota Fielder) believed to have been used to kidnap Rongo University student Sharon Otieno and Nation Journalist Barack Oduor. Police also arrested the taxi driver, Mr Jack Gombe and are questioning him seeking to establish if he has any links with the killers.
The detectives have been allowed by the court to detain him for one week as they carry on the probe. The impounded car was identified in the witnessed statement filed by Oduor, who claims he escaped from the captors by jumping out of the speeding car.
Since the gruesome murder of Sharon, three suspects are in police custody and are believed to be connected to the murder.
Police had already arrested Mr Michael Oyamo, Migori Governor Okoth Obado’s personal assistant, and former Kanyadoto Ward Rep Lawrence Mula who are both in police custody.
Migori Governo Okoth Obado has admitted to having a steamy love affair with Otieno whom she accused of having blackmailed and extorted from him before her death.
The Governor, however, insisted that he had nothing to do with the varsity student’s death. Ms Otieno’s mutilated body was found in a forest in Homa Bay County.
Detectives working on the brutal murder of Sharon Otieno on Sunday recorded statements from three people said to be persons of interests in the matter. “We are gathering information from witnesses to firm up the prosecution’s case. We have not arrested new suspects,” said Kigen.