When a Murder Case Moves Toward Reconciliation, What Place Do Reparations, Compensation and Victim Impact Have Within Criminal Justice?

Authors

  • Dr. Valentine Ataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66563/yvf00v36

Keywords:

Reparations, Reconciliation, Victim impact statement, Compensation, Murder

Abstract

The conviction of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado for the murder of Sharon Otieno has brought renewed attention to a question in criminal justice: what happens when a family seeks both justice and reconciliation after losing a loved one to murder?

Author Biography

  • Dr. Valentine Ataka

    Dr. Valentine Ataka is a prominent Kenyan lawyer, academic, and corporate strategist who serves as the Managing Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution at AKO Advocates LLP. He is recognized as a leading expert in energy law, corporate governance, commercial litigation, and public policy advisory. He is additionally a lecturer at the University of Nairobi Faculty of Law.

References

Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Victim Protection Act 2014

Criminal Procedure Code

Republic v Obado & 2 others [2026] KEHC 11351 (KLR)

Chandi v Republic [2025] KEHC 12042 (KLR)

Tobias Wanjala Kalenda v Republic [2019] KEHC 9975 (KLR)

Douglas Brown, The Award of Compensation in Criminal Cases in East Africa, Journal of African Law Vol. 10, No. 1, Spring, 1966

Dzuya Walter, Sharon Otieno family seeks compensation after eight-year court battle, < https://citizen.digital/article/sharon-otieno-family-seeks-compensation-after-eight-year-court battle-n388513 > Accessed 25 August 2026

Mwachere shuma, Sharon’s Justice Cannot be Bought, < https://www.kwaela.co.ke/sharons justice-cannot-be-bought/ > Accessed 3 September 2026

Justice Versus Mercy, do reparations to a bereved family trivialize the murder of their loved one?

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Published

2026-09-16

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): The Multifaceted Nature of Law; An Analysis of Emerging Issues

Section

Articles

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