Embattled Migori governor Okoth Obado might have been released on bail but it seems he will not be having any peace of mind soon. Despite having tough bail conditions to adhere to, the governor now has to deal with an NGO that is strongly pushing for his removal from office.
A governance and human rights organisation has asked the anti-graft agency to initiate the removal of Migori Governor Okoth Obado from office over alleged abuse of office and the murder of a university student.
Mr Obado is accused of murdering Rongo University student Sharon Otieno and her unborn baby in September.
The Migori County boss is also being investigated by the Ethics and Anti- Corruption Commission (EACC) for allegedly using his position to steal Sh2 billion in public funds through companies registered by his relatives.
The International Centre for Policy and Conflict (ICPC), in a petition to the EACC, wants the commission to invoke its powers under its Leadership and Integrity Act, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and Chapter Six of the Constitution to have the governor resign or forced out of office.
“Obado’s case provides a watershed moment for EACC to deal with impunity and corruption, a mortal blow through enforcement of accountability, integrity and ethics on all state office holders consistent with the ongoing campaign against corruption and impunity,” ICPC Executive Director Ndungu Wainaina said.
“It is not only imperative for the holder of the office of governor to have the highest standards of integrity, but independently that the integrity of the institution must be preserved”. he added
Mr Wainaina noted that having criminal elements in politics, whether they are convicted or not, tarnishes the image of the office they hold.
The EACC has already ordered for the freezing of assets belonging to Obado, his close family members and close associates.
EACC now wants seven of the governor’s alleged proxies and 14 of their firms that benefited from multi-billion contracts compelled to refund Sh2 billion allegedly looted from the Migori county government.
In an intriguing court battle, EACC says Obado was a beneficiary of the fictitious contracts through millions wired to his three children, most of them living abroad.
On Tuesday, the High Court issued orders barring the owners from selling or transferring 65 properties — including maissionettes, apartments and land — all valued at over Sh382 million.
EACC has named Peter Odoyo Oluoch Kwaga, a close Obado associate, as the architect of the theft who roped in six members of his family including his mother.
Of the 65 properties the High Court put a caveat on, 42 belong to Kwaga excluding 17 he transferred after sleuths raided his home early this year.
The properties include four maissionettes in Nairobi, an apartment in Nairobi and several tracks of land mostly in Migori town.