Okoth Obado's bodyguard, clerk held over Sharon murder

A Kisii court has ordered the lock-up of two more suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.

Mr Elvis Omondi, a policeman attached to Migori Governor Okoth Obado’s security detail, and Mr Caspal Obiero, a clerk in Migori County government, will spend 10 days in police cells.

Kisii Senior Resident Magistrate Lutta Shiundu said their detention would as police time to complete their investigations.

Mr Shiundu said he was satisfied with prosecution’s request that the nature of investigations into Ms Otieno’s murder was complex and, therefore, detectives needed more time.

“But the respondents will be allowed access to medical attention and to their advocates,” said Mr Shiundu while further directing that the two be detained at Keroka Police Station.

Mr Obiero and Mr Omondi, through their lawyer Omunde Kisera, had asked the court to release them on bond, saying their continued detention was in breach of the law.

“My client, Obiero, was questioned for more than three hours yesterday before being arrested. He presented himself to the detectives and would still do that when called upon,” said Mr Kisera.

The lawyer further said that his client had a medical problem which would be difficult to handle if detained, but the magistrate said this would be taken care of in custody.

Mr Obiero routinely runs errands for Mr Obado and detectives on Wednesday said he had been adversely mentioned by some of the suspects who were arrested earlier over the murder.

A vehicle he drives was linked to the kidnapping of Ms Otieno and Nation journalist Barack Oduor.

The vehicle was impounded on Monday and its driver at the time arrested.

On Tuesday, Mr Obiero and Mr Omondi recorded statements at the Oyugis Police Station.

The case will be mentioned on September 28, 2018.