Michael Oyamo, the alleged mastermind behind the brutal 2018 murder of Sharon Otieno, has denied claims that he was ever abducted, contradicting an OB report filed at the Uriri Police Station.
Oyamo, the second accused in the case, is believed by the prosecution to have played a critical role in orchestrating the abduction and subsequent killing of Sharon Otieno. However, he told the court that he voluntarily surrendered to the police, disputing earlier police statements that suggested otherwise.
During the prosecution’s presentation, investigators referenced an occurrence book (OB) entry from Uriri Police Station which described Oyamo as a victim of abduction. The investigating officer previously testified that Oyamo had reported a kidnapping and even submitted medical records from Kisii Hospital to support his claim.
But Oyamo has dismissed these allegations, stating in court that he turned himself in after learning of Sharon’s abduction and murder, which had become national news at the time. He claimed he went to the police to assist with the investigation but was arrested instead.
In his defense, Oyamo also denied prosecution allegations that he had arranged a meeting in Nairobi on August 24, 2018, involving former Governor Zachariah Okoth Obado, a protected witness (identified as XYZ), Lawrence Mbula, and Sharon Otieno. He told Justice Cecilia Githua that he traveled to Nairobi solely to mediate an issue between the protected witness and Mbula, and that Governor Obado was in the city on official duties.
Testimony from the investigating officer revealed that the murder investigation focused on three suspects: former Governor Obado, Michael Oyamo, and Caspar Obiero. The officer stated that Obado was believed to be responsible for Sharon’s pregnancy, Obiero allegedly provided falsified medical documents, and Oyamo was suspected of planning the crime.
Further evidence presented in court claimed Oyamo purchased an Airtel SIM card to conceal his communication and redirect calls, presumably to avoid detection.
Throughout the trial, Oyamo has maintained his innocence, asserting that he had no involvement in Sharon’s abduction, injury, or murder. He described himself as merely a messenger concerned for Sharon’s welfare and denied any actions that may have contributed to her death.
The case centers on the murder of Sharon Otieno, a third-year student at Rongo University, who was 28 weeks pregnant at the time of her death on September 3, 2018. Both Sharon and her unborn child died from stab wounds, which, according to the pathologist, were so severe that they pierced the fetus in her womb.
All three suspects Obado, Oyamo, and Obiero were charged with the murder of Sharon and her unborn baby. However, after the prosecution concluded its case, the court acquitted the accused of the charge concerning the unborn child. The judge ruled that, under Kenyan law, the fetus did not meet the legal definition of a human being since it had not been born alive.
The trial is set to resume on June 11, 2025.
