Calm in Migori as Obado in court over Sharon’s murder

There is uneasy calm in Migori County as Governor Okoth Obado was presented in court on Monday morning to face charges in relation to the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.

This comes even as Mr Obado’s bodyguard, John Chacha, was Monday morning arrested in a hotel adjacent to the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.

Scores of residents especially in Uriri, Mr Obado's home area, and Migori town could be seen hurdled in small groups conversing in hushed tones about the fate of their governor.

Other residents keenly followed the court proceedings beamed live on local TV channels. Others were immersed in local dailies to get the latest on the case.

NEWSPAPERS

Most of the dailies, especially Daily Nation, were all bought off from newspaper stands as early as 8am.

At the county government offices, no much activity was going on with many offices being manned by clerical officers and secretaries, most of whom were also glued to television sets as they followed the unfolding of events on Mr Obado.

"We are showing solidarity with our governor. That is why we are following the court proceedings keenly. We pray for him and hope that he will be vindicated," said an official of the county government.

Last week, the county executive committee released a statement assuring the residents that county government operations will go on uninterrupted.

"We call upon the people of Migori to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course. Meanwhile, government operations will continue uninterrupted.

“We would wish to request the investigating agencies and the Judiciary to expedite the matter. We want to urge that this process should not be politicised." said Mr Elijah Odhiambo, the CEC member in charge of Lands, Physical Planning and Housing.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR

Deputy Governor Nelson Mahanga Mwita, who is now in charge of the county, has also taken a low profile.

On the streets, Mr Obado’s supporters exuded confidence that he will be vindicated.

"Our governor will in the end be vindicated. I believe he is not the killer of Sharon. Let the police and detectives unravel those behind the brutal murder," said Mr Tom Onduru, a resident of Uriri.

Mr Otieno Kasije, another supporter of Mr Obado said, "I strongly believe that my governor, H.E. Okoth Obado, is Innocent and his woes are turning out to be politically instigated. We are praying for him to overcome these challenges because we trust in God."

The supporters took to the streets on Sunday to show solidarity with Mr Obado.

Reports also indicate that the supporters will stage more demonstrations Monday should the governor be denied bail.

Additional reporting by Sam Kiplagat