Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, on trial for the 2018 murder of his lover Sharon Otieno, admitted in court Wednesday April 23, 2025, to having a romantic relationship with the deceased.

While vehemently denying any involvement in her killing, Obado provided a detailed account of their affair.

Here are 5 key details he shared about his relationship with Sharon Otieno:

1. The Affair Was an ‘Open Secret’

Obado testified that his relationship with Sharon Otieno was widely known.

He stated that his family, Sharon’s family, and even staff members within the Migori county government, which he led at the time, were aware of the affair.

This assertion aimed to portray the relationship as not clandestine, though it ultimately became tragically public.

2. Acknowledged Fathering Sharon’s Child

Obado admitted in court that he was responsible for Sharon Otieno’s pregnancy.

This acknowledgment came during his defense testimony, where he sought to explain the nature of their connection without admitting any culpability in her death.

3. Wife’s Knowledge and Confrontation

Obado revealed that his wife, Hellen Adhiambo, was aware of his affair with Sharon.

He recounted an incident during the 2018 Devolution Conference in Kisumu, where his wife called him late at night, knowing he had booked Sharon at a separate hotel.

Initially, Obado denied the affair but later confessed after his wife revealed she had more information.

4. Planned to Build Sharon a House in Homa Bay

Obado told the court that he had agreed to purchase land and build a three-bedroom house for Sharon Otieno in Homa Bay, estimated to cost Ksh3.5 million.

This detail emerged during cross-examination, where he defended the expense, stating he could afford it.

However, he noted that Sharon preferred a house in Nairobi or Kisumu, a proposal he discouraged due to cost.

5. Used a Middleman for Communication

Obado testified that he used the late Lawrence Mula, a former Member of County Assembly, as a trusted intermediary between himself and Sharon.

It was through Mula that Sharon conveyed her requests, including her desire for a house in Nairobi or Kisumu, and it was Mula who relayed Obado’s counter-proposals.

While Obado detailed these aspects of his relationship with Sharon Otieno, he maintained his innocence in her murder, stating, “I did not kill Sharon Otieno. I did not conspire with my two co-accused persons or anyone to kill the late Sharon Otieno. I did not procure anybody to kill the late Sharon Otieno.”

The trial continues as the court seeks to unravel the truth behind Sharon Otieno’s tragic death.