Women MPs demand justice over Sharon Otieno murder

By Benson Nyaga and Johnson Mureithi

Female Members of Parliament have given the government an ultimatum of two weeks to investigate and arrest perpetrators of the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.

Led by Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) chair Purity Ngirichi, the women representatives noted that gender-based violence against women has in the recent days been rampant, urging the government to step the fight against those perpetrating the vice.

“We live in a country of law and order and therefore such heinous crimes should not be allowed to go unpunished. We demand action against anyone and everyone involved in the murder of Sharon Otieno,” said Ms. Ngirichi, who is also the Kirinyaga Woman Representative.

Speaking at Kerugoya Stadium during the launch of the Boy and Girl child support campaign, the female legislators threatened to stage demonstrations until the main culprit in Sharon’s murder is arrested.

Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau said the killers of Sharon are known, asking that a DNA test be conducted to establish whose unborn infant Sharon was carrying.

Gender Principal Secretary Safina Kwekwe, who graced the occasion, assured Kenyans that the ministry will ensure that those involved in the murder of Sharon are brought to book.

Other women MPs included: Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga, Dr Irene Kasalu (Kitui), Joyce Korir (Bomet), Gladwell Cheruiyot (Baringo) and Janet Rotich (Turbo).

Meanwhile, Migori Governor Okoth Obado was Tuesday grilled at the Kisumu DCI offices over the murder of the second year University student.

Citizen Digital has also established that Nation journalist Barrack Oduor was also questioned by homicide detectives.

Oduor claims that he and Sharon Otieno were to meet with Governor Okoth Obado’s Personal Assistant on the night they were abducted.

The PA, Michael Oyamo, is in police custody and was to appear in court on Tuesday morning.

The body of Sharon Otieno was discovered near Kopedo Forest with details emerging that she was raped and stabbed eight times before her death.

Her death has sparked outrage across the country with many other leaders including Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko calling for the prosecution of those responsible.