Sharon Otieno's family, witnesses seek police protection

Individuals who came into contact with Rongo University student Sharon Otieno before she was killed by her abductors have been receiving threats from unknown people.

Also, those who met with Nation reporter Barack Oduor, who was abducted alongside Ms Otieno, have been living in fear following numerous threats and are now pleading for police protection.

Ms Otieno’s family has not been left out and in addition to grief and shock, they have been constantly under threats from strangers who call them on anonymous numbers. Those who have been threatened have already recorded statements with the police.

Investigators are following up on the people behind the threats, checking out their calls to know their identity and whether they could have been involved in the murder of the 26-year-old woman as well as possible links to the suspects.

VESTED INTERESTS

An uncle to Ms Otieno, who did not want to be named for security reasons, on Sunday said some of their friends and relatives, whom he believes could be emissaries for those behind the murder of his niece, have in a clever manner been urging them to go slow on the issue.

“Some of our friends, relatives and even mourners have even been asking us not to talk much about the death of our Sharon. Though they pretend to be concerned, I suspect they may be acting on behalf of individuals with vested interests, may be the murderer’s,” he said.

He, however, said that they will not be cowed and will continue demanding for justice for their slain daughter, who was a second year medical records and information student.

Mr Joshua Okongo, the family's spokesman, on Friday blamed politicians and journalists for what he termed as blowing out Ms Otieno’s issue out of proportion.

CONSTANT INTERROGATION
While speaking to journalists at Ms Otieno's home in Magare village, Homa Bay County, Mr Okongo asked the political class to stay away from the matter.
At Samanga, the Nation met Mr Gilbert Oyieka, a cousin to a man (name withheld for security purposes), who rescued Mr Oduor after he jumped out of his abductor's vehicle.
“My cousin does not want to be exposed. We have been seeing vehicles stop around here probably trying to locate him,” he said.
A manager at Graca Hotel in Rongo, Migori County, lamented that he had not had peace since the kidnapping of the duo because of constant interrogation and threats from various people.