The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has welcomed the conviction of Okoth Obado and his two co‑accused in the murder of Sharon Otieno, saying the judgment demonstrates that no one is above the law and sends a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated.
The former Migori Governor and his co‑accused, Michael Juma Oyamo and Casper Ojwang Obiero, were found guilty of the brutal murder of Otieno by the High Court on Thursday, July 23.
The 26‑year‑old Rongo University student and mother of three was 28 weeks pregnant when she was abducted and murdered alongside her unborn child in September 2018, sending shockwaves across the country.
In a statement released Friday, NGEC said Otieno’s case underscores the devastating impact of gender‑based violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable regardless of their political or social standing.
“We respect the independence of the Judiciary and acknowledge the court's determination as an important milestone in the pursuit of justice and accountability. Justice for one victim sends a powerful message that violence against women will not be tolerated. We remain steadfast in our constitutional mandate to promote equality, freedom from discrimination, and the protection of the rights of all persons in Kenya,” the statement says, adding that no individual, regardless of social status, political position or economic influence, is above the law.
The Commission is mandated with promoting and ensuring gender equality, principles of equality and non‑discrimination for all persons in Kenya. To NGEC, the judgment serves as a catalyst for stronger prevention measures, survivor‑centred support, timely investigations and effective prosecution, while reinforcing public confidence in Kenya’s justice system.
“Accountability for gender‑based violence and other forms of violence against women is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and strengthening public confidence in Kenya's justice system,” NGEC added. “Every woman has the constitutional right to life, dignity, equality, freedom and security of the person, and these rights must be protected without exception.”
NGEC also commended the investigative, prosecutorial and judicial institutions for carrying out their respective constitutional mandates in the matter.
Further, the Commission noted the courage and resilience of victims’ families and witnesses who often endure lengthy and emotionally taxing judicial processes in the pursuit of justice.
As Kenya continues to confront the persistent challenge of gender‑based violence, the Commission called for strengthened prevention measures, survivor‑centred responses, timely investigations, effective prosecution of offenders, and sustained public education to challenge harmful social norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
It also urged all State and non‑State actors to work collaboratively in implementing existing legal and policy frameworks aimed at preventing gender‑based violence and ensuring that survivors and affected families have access to justice, protection and psychosocial support.
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