Court extends settlement talks in Okoth Obado’s Sh505 million graft case
According to the ODPP, Sh256,703,688 was received from the Migori County government by entities registered after Okoth Obado became governor, by his family members, namely his wife, brothers, mother, and sister-in-law.
The Sh505 million corruption case against former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his four children, and several co-accused has been adjourned to July 21 to allow more time for negotiations of a plea bargain.
Anti-Corruption trial Court on Tuesday granted a one-month adjournment following a joint application by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
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The court heard that the parties are engaged in advanced discussions with the accused, aimed at resolving the matter through out-of-court settlements.
The court acknowledged that the reasons presented were exceptional and warranted the delay. However, it cautioned that should the negotiations fail, the matter would proceed to full trial without further delay.
The case will be mentioned on July 21, when the parties are expected to update the court on the status of the plea bargain or confirm their readiness for trial.
According to the ODPP, Sh256,703,688 was received from the Migori County government by entities registered after Obado became governor, by his family members, namely his wife, brothers, mother, and sister-in-law.
Obado's brother allegedly received Sh63,864,149 by trading with the Migori County Government while employed by the very county government as a pharmaceutical technologist.
The governor is accused of acquiring an indirect private interest amounting to Sh73,474,376.90 from the county government through his children.
The said children are also said to have pocketed Sh38,949,376.90 to cater for their school fees and upkeep while studying in Australia, Scotland and the United Kingdom and purchase two high-end vehicles.
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