Graft case against ex-Governor Obado not withdrawn, says ODPP

Migori Governor Okoth Obado at the Milimani law courts in Nairobi. [George Njunge/Standard]

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has clarified that the corruption case against former Migori Governor Zachary Obado has not been dropped, countering recent allegations suggesting otherwise.

In a statement, the ODPP dismissed reports claiming it had entered into a plea-bargain agreement with Obado and 15 co-accused, resulting in the withdrawal of charges. 

“The ODPP has noted reports alleging it entered a plea-bargain agreement with the accused persons and after settlement, withdrew the charges against the accused persons.  Do note the cases that have been withdrawn are the Asset Recovery Civil cases filed by EACC,” stated the ODPP.

According to ODPP, the withdrawn cases pertained to Asset Recovery Civil cases initiated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Following investigations into allegations of misappropriation of public funds by Obado and his associates, the DPP pressed charges against them. The accused are currently facing various corruption charges in the Anti-Corruption Court at Milimani.

The ODPP further clarified that the criminal charges remain active and are scheduled for further hearing on July 8 and 9. 

The statement was prompted by remarks made by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during recent Senate proceedings, where he expressed disbelief upon hearing about a purported plea bargain between Obado and the ODPP, leading to the withdrawal of the case.

“And then on the ODPP, I was just conferring here with my friend the Senator for Migori…We were shocked when we heard that a plea bargain had been entered in the Migori corruption case that a governor accused of stealing billions of shillings had agreed to return Sh300m and then the case was withdrawn,” he said. 

Sifuna called for an audit of recent corruption cases, emphasising the need for transparency to restore public trust in the judicial process.