Trial of Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and Family for Graft Charges to Commence Tuesday
Former Governor Obado, along with his four children and eleven others, has been charged with misappropriation of public funds and conflict of interest concerning contracts awarded during his tenure
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By Esther Njeri
The hearing of the graft case against former Migori County Governor Okoth Obado and his children will commence on Tuesday, following an adjournment on Monday due to issues with the documentation required for the trial.
Former Governor Obado, along with his four children and eleven others, has been charged with misappropriation of public funds and conflict of interest concerning contracts awarded during his tenure. These contracts, amounting to millions, were allegedly granted to several companies under suspicious circumstances.
A total of 59 witnesses are set to testify in this case, aiming to substantiate the charges against Obado and his co-accused.
Investigations revealed that the contracts were awarded to various companies during the fiscal years 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016. Portions of the proceeds were reportedly funneled to the accounts of Obado’s children. Other family members, including his wife Christine Akinyi Ochola, brothers Joram Opala, Peter Odoyo, Oluoch Kwaga, and his mother Peninah Auma, are also facing graft charges.
The charges include conflict of interest, money laundering, conspiracy to commit an economic crime, and the acquisition of public funds.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) noted that the funds allegedly misappropriated by Obado and his children exceed Ksh 300 million, which were purportedly transferred to their bank accounts. The EACC stated, “This is clear evidence of money laundering and fraudulent tendering practices by Obado and his co-accused.”
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