The ongoing corruption case involving former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his children, and several co-accused individuals has taken a new turn as the defense team challenges key evidence presented by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The case centers on an alleged scheme to embezzle and misuse Sh505 million in public funds during Obado’s tenure as governor.
On Tuesday, the court proceedings resumed with defense lawyers requesting more time to review thousands of documents that the EACC intends to submit as evidence in the case.
These documents, according to the prosecution, are crucial to proving the unlawful diversion of funds, but the defense argues they have not had adequate time to assess their validity and relevance.
The defense’s request stems from the complexity and volume of the documentation, which includes financial records, property details, and transactions they believe may impact all parties involved.
The lead investigating officer, Robert Ronoh, testified that these documents were gathered over a period of five years and form the backbone of the prosecution’s case.
However, the defense has questioned their admissibility, asserting that they need time to properly scrutinize the materials before they are formally accepted as evidence.
Among the contested documents are details of 22 high-value properties allegedly owned by Obado, his close relatives, and his aide, Jared Kwaga.
These assets include luxury properties in Nairobi, such as a Sh34.5 million house in Loresho, several NSSF properties near State House Road, and Obado’s residence in Karen.
Additionally, there are landholdings and other assets, such as a petrol tanker and a roadshow trailer linked to Kwaga, all of which the prosecution claims are part of the illicit wealth accumulated through embezzled funds.
The defense team also seeks more time to challenge the financial records, including payments made to 23 companies that allegedly benefited from corrupt tenders during Obado’s time as governor.
The prosecution contends that these transactions were part of a broader scheme to divert public funds for personal gain.
During the proceedings, EACC’s Ronoh detailed how the commission had received a complaint in 2017 regarding the misappropriation of Sh2.6 billion paid to the 23 companies.
However, Obado has been charged with embezzling Sh505 million, a portion of the larger sum.
The defense argues that they need more time to evaluate these allegations and prepare their objections to ensure a fair trial.
In response to the defense’s request, Trial Magistrate Harrison Barasa adjourned the case and scheduled a pretrial conference for December 5 and 6, 2024, at Milimani Law Courts.
The conference will give both parties an opportunity to review the contested documents and agree on which pieces of evidence the defense intends to challenge before the case resumes in February 2025.
Obado, his children, and the other co-accused face 26 charges, including conspiracy to commit economic crimes, conflict of interest, unlawful acquisition of public property, and money laundering.
The defense’s ongoing challenge to the evidence is a critical part of the proceedings as the case moves forward.
