Migori governor Okoth Obado might be a free man for now but surely not a peaceful man. The governor was today released on bail but given tough conditions to follow in regards to his bail failure to which he will be a guest of the state again.
The governor will be going back to his county Migori, a county that has been so divided ever since the county chief was put behind bars. His electorates have complained of poor service delivery during his absence even as some of the MCAs led by the Migori ODM chairman planned to impeach him.
Migori County ODM chairman Philip Makabong’o directed the Migori County MCA’s to impeach the governor.
The ODM county boss gave the MCA’s a two week ultimatum to act on the governor’s impeachment failure to which the ODM party will have to come in and find a solution.
“The Migori county assembly members are sleeping in class or they don’t understand their legislative obligations!” the ODM chairperson said.
“Kindly deal within two weeks or the party will intervene,” he added.
Obado has an uphill task to regain the love and trust of his party ODM, a party he has in many occasions gone against with the most recent incident being during the senatorial by-elections.
Obado publicly endorsed Eddy Oketch and openly campaigned against ODM’s candidate Ochillo Ayacko who later won the seat. It will be interesting to see how Mr. Obado will work with Ayacko who he has never been a fan of in the first place. It will be remembered that Obado and Ayacko have had their differences way before the Sharon Murder case and the subsequent by-elections.
The two went head to head in the 2017 general elections with Obado emerging the winner hence affirming his stature as the King Pin of Migori Politics.
ODM Leader Raila Odinga’s efforts to bring Obado and Ayacko on the same page seem to have hit a snag with the opposition chief also distancing himself from Obado. He even told him to carry his cross during the prolonged bail hearing period.
Mr. Obado also has an image to clean. His name has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. From murder charges to corruption charges. The governor will have to get a good PR firm to help him regain his lost glory.
Obado’s movement has also been restricted. He will be like a chained dog. Releasing him on bail, Justice Lesiit ordered the governor to deposit his travel documents with the court meaning that he will not be able to even travel out of the country for official duties. How will the governor therefore source for international investors to invest in his county? How will he be able to market his county? Has he been turned to a ceremonial governor?
Court has also restrained him from going anywhere near the murder scene at the border of Migori and Homa Bay counties.
“The accused shall not go anywhere within 20km of Homa Bay-Migori boundary and the court has the liberty to cancel your bail at any time,” Justice Lessit ruled.
Obado’s co-accused Michael Oyamo (personal assistant) and Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero will remain in custody after being denied bail. Judge Lesiit ruled that the release of Oyamo and Obiero would cause fear and anxiety among members of the public. She also cited security concerns as part of the reasons why the two will remain at the Industrial Area Remand Prison.