By Grace Gilo
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, along with 10 individuals and 7 companies, has requested an adjournment of the case to facilitate Plea Bargain negotiations with the State.
They are accused of illegally acquiring Ksh. 73 million from the Migori County Government.
During a court appearance at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, Obado’s lawyer informed Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki that discussions are ongoing between the accused and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), as well as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), to explore an out-of-court settlement through a plea bargain agreement.
The accused parties—Okoth Obado, Dan Achola Okoth, Scarlet Susan Okoth, Jerry Zachary Okoth, Evelyne Adhiambo Zachary, Jared Peter Odoyo, Christine Akinyi, Joram Opala, Ochanda Patroba, Penina Auma and Carolyne Anyango.
Companies including Misoft Limited, Tarchdog Printers Limited, Kajulu Business Limited, Victorious Investments Limited, Deltrack ICT Services Ltd., Swyfcon Engineering Limited and Dolphus Software Limited had
The accused formally submitted a request to the ODPP to be considered for a plea bargain on April 25th.
The ODPP confirmed in court that meetings between the accused, the EACC, and prosecution teams have already taken place to discuss the request.
“The plea deal discussions are said to focus on restitution, admissions of culpability and the potential withdrawal of some charges,” stated the ODPP.
“The accused face multiple counts including conflict of interest, money laundering, and unlawful acquisition of public property,” ODPP added.
These alleged offenses took place between October 29, 2014, and October 18, 2016, during Obado’s tenure as governor of Migori County.
Principal Magistrate Ondieki granted the request for adjournment and scheduled the case to be mentioned again on September 3, 2025, for further directions and to assess the progress of the plea negotiations.