A pre-sentence inquiry report filed before the court says Obado pleaded for leniency, asking the court to consider a sentence that may include a non-custodial sanction, citing among other factors his age, health and the length of time the case has taken. Obado, 64, was convicted alongside Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero over Sharon’s murder. Following his conviction, his bond was revoked and he was remanded at Kamiti Maximum Prison.
Despite seeking leniency, Obado continues to deny responsibility for Sharon’s murder. According to the probation report, the former governor told officers that although he respects the court’s verdict, he does not agree with it and maintains that he did not participate in Sharon’s death. The report notes that Obado admitted having had an intimate relationship with Sharon but blamed his predicament partly on political intrigues and other people whom he claimed took advantage of the relationship.
Probation officers observed that because he does not take responsibility for the murder, remorse was not established. The report further states that his denial could be viewed as a way of evading accountability and the consequences arising from the conviction. However, the report identifies several factors that could weigh in Obado’s favour during sentencing.
It says he has no previous criminal conviction, complied with his bond conditions for about eight years, enjoys extensive family and community support and has provided financial and material assistance to Sharon’s family. The report also says reconciliation initiatives between Obado’s family and Sharon’s family have begun and assesses his risk of reoffending as low. Members of Obado’s family and community interviewed during the social inquiry appealed for leniency, describing him as a family and community pillar who had supported education, employment, churches and vulnerable people.
Sharon’s family, meanwhile, told probation officers that her killing had caused them immense psychological, emotional and economic suffering. The report says Sharon left behind three children who require care and support, while her parents and siblings continue to deal with the trauma of her death. Her family nevertheless acknowledged receiving support from Obado on several occasions and indicated that they were open to reconciliation following his conviction.
In its final assessment, the probation office said Obado would ordinarily be suitable for community-based rehabilitation because of his age, health conditions, lack of previous convictions, compliance with bond terms, community standing and reconciliation efforts. It, however, cautioned that the court must also consider the seriousness of the offence and the needs and concerns of Sharon’s family.
The probation office stopped short of expressly recommending a non-custodial sentence, leaving the final decision to the High Court. It said that should the court be inclined to impose a non-custodial sentence on probation, appropriate intervention measures would be put in place to achieve its objectives.
