Ex-governor convicted of murdering a pregnant student in Kenya

Former Migori County governor Okoth Obado has been convicted of arranging the 2018 murder of Sharon Otieno, a pregnant 26-year-old university student with whom he had an affair. The case drew national attention in Kenya and became a symbol of violence against women, with Otieno’s killing prompting protests and renewed concern about gender-based violence.

A court found that Obado supplied the motive, instigation and funds for the killing, while his former assistant Michael Oyamo and former county clerk Caspal Obiero helped carry it out and conceal it. Otieno was abducted after meeting journalist Barack Oduor, who escaped; her body was found two days later with stab wounds, and the prosecution relied on 42 witnesses and circumstantial evidence. All three men are in custody awaiting sentencing.