NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 5 – Its been three years since former Rongo University student Sharon Otieno was murdered and her body found dumped near Kodero forest in Rachuonyo, Homa Bay county.
Thirty six months since the former second year medical records and information student’s case kicked off in court, the family is still crying for justice citing interference and unnecessary use of ‘delay tactics’ from the defense.
At the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, the wheels of justice seemed to be turning again after Justice Cecelia Githua denied an application by one of the prime suspects, Migori Governor Okoth Obado’s legal team to postpone the case.
Justice Githua ruled that the case is now scheduled to resume hearing between the July 12 and 15, 2021.
Obado had in a letter through his defense counsel dated June 28, 2021, sought the postponement of the case until a fresh date was set by the courts.
In his argument, the accused cited the travel restrictions imposed by the government as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Nyanza region as one of the reasons that could hinder the progress of the case.
He had further requested that the matter is mentioned virtually as opposed to an open case setting.
The accused sought 30 days before a determination on the mater was issued.
News that the case will however resume next week on Monday was welcomed by the prosecution with Director of Public prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji accusing the defense of adopting delay tactics.
Haji further reiterated that justice could no longer be delayed and that restriction of movement imposed by COVID-19 guidelines can no longer be used as an excuse for further adjournment.
The case was initially slated for March, 2020.
Other suspects set to be charged with the murder of Sharon include Casper Obiero and Michael Juma Oyamo. At least 37 witnesses are expected to testify in the high profile case.
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