One year after the controversial death of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno, her family is still crying for justice.
Sharon, who was seven months pregnant, was a second-year Medical Records and Information student.
Her mutilated body was found dumped at Kodera Forest, Homa Bay County, a day after she was abducted together with Nation media journalist, Barrack Oduor, on September 4, 2018.
Sharon, who was alleged to be in love with Migori Governor Okoth Obado, was abducted shortly after being lured out of Graca Hotel in Rongo by Governor Okoth Obado’s Personal Assistant Michael Oyamo.
Oduor, however, escaped death by a whisker after reportedly jumped out of the kidnappers’ speeding car at Nyangweso market along the Homa Bay-Kisumu road.
After her death, Governor Obado, together with his assistant, were arrested and arraigned in court in connection with the murder.
Five other suspects, among them, two of Obado’s bodyguards, were also apprehended over the murder. Despite the arrests, no major steps have been taken in the case and the governor has been in and out of the courts.
All the other suspects also denied any wrongdoing and were released on bond pending further hearings.
While holding a prayer service to mark the first anniversary of their daughter’s death at their Magare home in Homa Bay town, on Wednesday, the family called for a speedy court process to enable them get justice.
Although it has taken long to conclude the case, the family affirmed their confidence that the ongoing judicial process would yield justice and convictions.
Sharon’s mother, Milida Auma, urged the courts to speed up the process and bring all suspects to book so that she can find peace of mind.
“It’s exactly a year since I lost my agile daughter and friend. Let the judicial process be expedited for us to get justice,” Auma stated.
Although she asserted she had forgiven her daughter’s perpetrators, Auma stated they were yet to recover from the brutal murder of her daughter.
“We will forgive but not forget. Sharon is gone, but let the killers carry their own crosses,” lamented Sharon’s mother.
The same was echoed by her father, Otieno, who appealed to the Chief Justice Maraga to speed up the case.
“I hope the common saying that justice delayed is justice denied would not meet this family. But I’m confident the truth will prevail and killers convicted for eliminating Sharon and her unborn baby,” he divulged.