The second accused in the Sharon Otieno murder case, Michael Juma Oyamo, who served as the personal assistant to former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, told the court that a DNA test confirmed he was not the father of the baby the deceased was carrying.
During the defense hearing at Milimani High Court, Oyamo revealed that the police had conducted a DNA test comparing his sample with that of the fetus from the governor’s lover. The test results, he said, showed that he was not the biological father. He also emphasized that he had no intimate relationship with Sharon Otieno that could have resulted in pregnancy.
Oyamo recounted how he first came to know Sharon in July 2018. Initially, it was through rumors and later directly when two men contacted him seeking an appointment with the governor. One of the men, identifying himself as Honourable Mula, told Oyamo that he had been trying to reach the governor unsuccessfully and asked for help in connecting with him.
Oyamo explained to the court that he told Mula he could not help unless he was told what the request involved. Eventually, Mula revealed that a lady who was romantically involved with the governor was pregnant and that the governor had abandoned her. Mula said they had even contacted a journalist who was planning to publish the story if the governor did not respond.
Following this, Oyamo received another call from a man identifying himself as XYZ, who claimed to be a journalist and mentioned having the governor’s communication office contact details. Sharon also later called Oyamo directly, seeking assistance, and he assured her he would speak to his boss and get back to her.
Oyamo then reported the matter to Governor Obado, who told him he was already aware of the situation and was handling it. The governor mentioned that Honourable John Mbadi had contacted him and given him the journalist’s number.
A few days later, the governor handed Oyamo Ksh200,000 in cash and instructed him to give the money to Mula for the welfare of the pregnant lady. At their meeting point, Oyamo handed the money to Mula, who was accompanied by the journalist and the lady. He was told to ensure the money reached her.
On August 15, 2018, Oyamo was again sent to deliver another Ksh100,000 to Mula for Sharon’s welfare. The following day, Sharon called Oyamo to report an issue between Mula and the journalist. The journalist was upset that Oyamo had met Mula alone and handed over the money without involving all parties, contrary to what they had agreed.
Oyamo explained that he had clear instructions from the governor to hand the money directly to Mula. When he called Mula to clarify the matter, Mula said they had a disagreement over the phone because Oyamo met him alone and gave him the money, which he then passed on to Sharon, while the journalist was not present.
The fallout between Mula and the journalist led Sharon to seek intervention directly from the governor. She contacted Oyamo again to arrange an appointment with Obado to try to resolve the dispute.
Oyamo’s testimony highlighted his limited involvement in the personal matters between the governor and Sharon Otieno. He portrayed himself as a messenger executing orders rather than an active participant in the relationships or the disputes.
The hearing at Milimani High Court was adjourned and is set to continue the following day at 9:00 am. The court will hear more testimonies as the defense continues to present its case.
