Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko has come under widespread criticism following a public statement issued after the High Court convicted former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori county clerk Caspal Obiero over the 2018 murder of university student Sharon Otieno.

In his Facebook message, Ayacko described the conviction as a painful moment and expressed sympathy for the families of the three convicted men, saying he was praying that they receive strength, grace and courage during the difficult period.

However, the statement did not mention Sharon Otieno or offer condolences to her family, a decision that sparked strong reactions from many Kenyans on social media.

Several commenters questioned why the governor focused only on the convicted persons' families despite the court finding them guilty of a serious crime.Others pointed out that Ayacko is an advocate of the High Court and argued that his remarks did not reflect the significance of the judgment.

The High Court, presided over by Justice Cecilia Githua, ruled that Obado masterminded Sharon Otieno's killing by providing the motive, planning and financing for the crime.

The court further found that all three accused acted together in planning, carrying out and concealing the murder, with the prosecution proving its case beyond reasonable doubt through circumstantial evidence.

Following the judgment, the court cancelled the accused persons' bond terms, ordered them remanded in custody and directed that pre-sentence and victim impact assessment reports be prepared before sentencing.