The anti-corruption court has scheduled 20 days of marathon hearings for the Sh73 million graft case against former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his co-accused. The hearings will commence in May 2025, aiming to accelerate the protracted case that began in 2020.
Background of the Case
Obado, along with ten others, including his children and close associates, faces 27 counts of corruption and economic crimes. The charges stem from allegations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) that the accused inflated tender prices and contracts to siphon public funds from the Migori County government.
The accused include Obado’s children Dan, Scarlet, Jerry, and Evelyne Okoth and Jared Peter Odoyo Kwaga, a businessman with familial ties to Obado. Kwaga’s mother, Peninah Auma (73), wife Christine Akinyi, sister-in-law Carolyne Anyango, and brothers Patroba Ochanda and Joram Opala are also implicated.
Of the 27 charges, 22 specifically target Obado, underscoring his alleged central role in orchestrating the fraudulent schemes.
Protracted Legal Proceedings
Since January 2021, the case has seen a slow pace of progress, with the first prosecution witness, investigating officer Robert Ronoh, still testifying. The delay is attributed to the voluminous evidence presented, language translation challenges for Kwaga’s mother, who requires proceedings to be translated into Dholuo, and the overall complexity of the case.
The prosecution has lined up 59 witnesses, leaving 58 yet to testify. This backlog has raised concerns about the potential for prolonged litigation if hearings are not expedited.
Marathon Hearing Schedule
Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki, the third judicial officer to handle the case, has stepped in to prevent further delays. His predecessors, Lawrence Mugambi and Victor Wakumile, were reassigned or promoted, causing interruptions in the trial.
Ondieki directed that 20 hearing days be set aside, with parties agreeing to the following schedule:
- May 19–22, 2025: First four days of hearings.
- May 26–29, 2025: Second phase of hearings.
- July 1–3, 2025: Continuation of testimony.
- July 7–10, 2025: Another four days of proceedings.
- September 1–4, 2025: Final phase before further court directions.
This structured approach is intended to ensure the case does not drag on for years. Ondieki emphasized the importance of promptly addressing any issues that may arise during the hearings.
Key Testimonies and Evidence
Thus far, Ronoh’s testimony has centered on how Obado and his co-accused allegedly orchestrated and executed fraudulent activities. The EACC accuses them of systematically inflating costs and misappropriating county funds through a network of accomplices.
The court has faced logistical challenges due to the bulk of documentation and the need for translation services. Despite these hurdles, Ondieki is determined to conclude the hearings efficiently.
Implications of the Case
The Obado graft case highlights the challenges Kenya faces in tackling high-profile corruption. With significant public resources allegedly misused, the outcome will set a precedent for accountability in governance.
The 20-day marathon hearing is a pivotal step in expediting justice for a case that has already seen delays due to logistical complexities, changes in judicial officers, and the sheer scale of evidence. The court’s structured timeline reflects a commitment to addressing corruption cases within reasonable timeframes, a move likely to resonate with public demand for accountability.
As the hearings unfold next year, the focus will be on ensuring due process, thorough examination of evidence, and justice for the Migori County residents allegedly defrauded.
