The corruption case against former Migori Governor Zachary Okoth Obado resumed today at the Milimani law courts in Nairobi for further hearing. Obado, who was arrested in August 2023, is facing 28 counts of corruption-related charges, including conspiracy to defraud the county government of Migori, abuse of office, conflict of interest, money laundering, and acquisition of public property unlawfully.
Obado is accused of siphoning over Ksh. 300 million from the county coffers through his children and proxies, who allegedly received payments from companies that were awarded tenders by the county government. Some of the companies were registered in the names of Obado's relatives and associates, while others were owned by his children, who are studying abroad.
The prosecution has lined up 181 witnesses and 10,000 pages of documentary evidence to prove its case against Obado and his co-accused. The defence team, led by lawyer Cliff Ombeta, has dismissed the charges as politically motivated and vowed to prove Obado's innocence.
Obado, who was released on a Ksh. 8.25 million cash bail in September 2023, has denied any wrongdoing and maintained that he was ready to face justice. He has also accused the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of conducting a witch-hunt against him and his family.
The case is being heard by Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi, who has set aside 15 days for the hearing. The hearing is expected to conclude on February 2, 2024.
