In a detailed testimony before the High Court, Michael Oyamo, a key suspect in the Sharon Otieno murder case, vehemently denied any involvement in the planning or execution of her killing.
The former aide to Migori Governor Okoth Obado dismissed the prosecution’s case, specifically targeting the testimony of Prosecution Witness 38 (PW38), which he described as fabricated and misleading.
Oyamo, who is facing charges related to the September 2018 murder of Sharon Otieno, testified that the claims made by PW38 including statements that Oyamo was picked up from Uriri by Jack Gombe and visited Olivia’s house on the morning of the incident were completely false.
“My lady, Jack did not pick me or with anyone else on that day,” Oyamo told the court, refuting the assertion that he had been transported to an undisclosed location by Gombe.
Instead, Oyamo presented an alternative sequence of events, saying that he woke up at his residence and proceeded to Migori where he spent the evening preparing travel allowances for a trip scheduled to Rwanda the following day.
“I got the money. I was in Migori town that evening,” Oyamo explained, emphasizing that he had no involvement in the alleged planning of Sharon’s murder.
Addressing allegations related to text messages allegedly sent by Sharon Otieno to her associate, Muller, Oyamo confirmed Sharon had indeed told him she had asked Muller to disengage from her affairs, but denied any further involvement in her decisions.
Oyamo also clarified details of a meeting that took place at Gracia Hotel between himself, Sharon, and an individual referred to only as XYZ.
According to Oyamo, Sharon insisted on meeting at Gracia Hotel because it was owned by a relative. He recalled arriving at the hotel to find Sharon and XYZ drinking wine.
Oyamo claimed Sharon requested his help in paying off XYZ to help remove them from her affairs.
He testified that he handed Sharon Sh50,000, which included Sh10,000 for transport and Sh40,000 for herself, and that he paid for their hotel bill before leaving through the parking area.
He also described a black Toyota Wish vehicle parked outside the hotel, into which Sharon and XYZ boarded.
“As Sharon was getting into the car, I held her hand briefly and gave her the money. I do not know who was driving the car. They left me standing,” Oyamo stated, firmly denying claims made by XYZ that he had entered the vehicle with Sharon and XYZ.
Contrary to XYZ’s testimony, Oyamo maintained that he had not been in the car, and had instead used a bodaboda (motorcycle) to travel to Rongo town before heading home to Rapogi.
He further discredited XYZ’s account, citing discrepancies over details such as the color of the car and who was in it.
“XYZ said I told the driver to slow down, yet I was not in the vehicle,” Oyamo remarked, underscoring his defense that XYZ’s testimony was unreliable.
As the trial continues, Oyamo’s defense is focused on distancing himself from any involvement in the murder and dismantling the prosecution’s timeline of events.
His testimony, however, is expected to face intense cross-examination as the case unfolds.
The court has adjourned for the day, with further hearings scheduled in the coming weeks.
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