The High Court has deferred the sentencing of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado over the murder of Sharon Otieno to November 27, after all parties concluded their submissions.
The court said it had taken into account arguments presented by the parties, including views from secondary victims who were affected by the case.
"The court has been informed by the parties, together with the written submissions on litigation, and will deliver its ruling on sentence on the 27th of November," Justice Cecelia Waithaya Githua stated.
The judge said the court would now consider the issues raised during Wednesday's proceedings before deciding on the appropriate sentence for Obado.
The court explained that the November 27 date was set after taking into account the commencement of its annual meeting on Thursday, September 17.
Before adjourning the proceedings, Justice Githua informed the parties that the court would consider all matters raised during the hearing, together with the written mitigation submissions and other documents already placed before it.
The court will also take into account probation reports, the victim impact statement, submissions by the prosecution and mitigation presented by the defence before determining the sentence.
Obado has pleaded for leniency, with a pre-sentence report recommending that he be given a non-custodial sentence. The report cited his age, health condition and lack of previous convictions as factors that should be considered by the court.
The development came after Sharon Otieno's mother urged the court not to imprison the former Migori governor, instead asking for a lenient, non-custodial sentence.
She told the court that imposing either a death or life sentence on Obado would amount to experiencing "another death" in her life.
“Don’t crucify Governor Obado. If he goes for death or life sentencing, I’ll see another death in my life. Do me a favour; just don’t take him to jail,” Auma told the court.
She further said the family had forgiven Obado after he expressed remorse over the killing and sought forgiveness during the court proceedings.
"Since the first accused, Obado, has been remorseful at the time of death and during court proceedings and is asking for forgiveness, we said as a family we have forgiven the first accused,” she added.
Justice Githua convicted the three accused on July 23, ruling that Obado financed the murder, Oyamo was instrumental in executing the killing, while Obiero assisted in concealing the crime.
The conviction came after the court heard testimony from 42 prosecution witnesses and considered 81 exhibits. Following the judgment, the court cancelled the trio’s bonds, leaving them in custody as they await sentencing.
