The murder trial of Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his co-accused Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero slated to kick off on Tuesday could be delayed due to the controversy surrounding the presiding judge.
The three were accused of murdering Rongo University student Sharon Otieno and her unborn child last year, and are currently out on strict bail terms.
But the trial could be delayed following an application by Oyamo and Obiero, which seeks to have Justice Jesse Lessit disqualify herself as the presiding judge.
The application was made last week but the matter is yet to be heard and the judge is yet to communicate.
According to the two, Lady Justice Lessit may not give them a fair trial, arguing that the fact she gave Governor Obado bail and denied them, is a manifestation that they will be discriminated again.
“I do apprehend, and reasonably so, that I shall not be accorded a fair and impartial trial and I request that the case against me be presided over by any judge other than Justice Lessit,” stated Oyamo as quoted by Citizen Digital.
In April, Lady Justice Lessit lifted tough bail conditions for Obado, saying that they had served the purpose. Prior to that, the county boss was banned from travelling to within a radius of 20 kilometres from the border of Homa Bay and Migori Counties.
“The purpose of the restriction has already been served and it’s no longer necessary,” the judge said.
While he denied playing role in the murder of the university student, Obado however, admitted that the two were lovers.
He also said that they were expecting a child.