The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has firmly denied recent reports suggesting that a corruption case against former Migori Governor, Okoth Obado, had been withdrawn.
This statement came in response to widespread speculation across various media platforms.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the ODPP clarified that no plea deal had been reached in the Ksh1.9 billion corruption case involving Obado.
The ODPP emphasized that the ongoing criminal proceedings remain active and scheduled for further hearings.
Contrary to circulating reports, the case in question is set to continue in the Milimani Corruption Court on July 8 and 9, 2024.
The ODPP explained that the confusion stemmed from the withdrawal of an Asset Recovery Case filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), not the criminal case against Obado.
“Do note the cases that have been withdrawn are the Asset Recovery Civil cases filed by EACC,” the statement read, aiming to dispel any misinformation.
This clarification came on the heels of remarks made by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who criticized the ODPP on the Senate floor.
Senator Sifuna expressed his dismay over what he believed was the withdrawal of the corruption case against Obado.
He alleged that a plea bargain had been struck, leading to the governor agreeing to return Ksh300 million in exchange for the case’s dismissal.
However, the ODPP refuted these claims, asserting that no such agreement had been made.
“In his submission on the floor of the House, Hon. Sifuna explained his shock upon learning that a plea bargain had been entered between the ODPP and the Governor who then agreed to return 300 million shillings and the case was subsequently withdrawn,” the ODPP stated, underscoring the inaccuracy of the senator’s claims.
The ODPP’s statement further noted that the EACC had indeed reached an out-of-court settlement with Obado regarding a separate matter, which resulted in a Ksh235 million settlement.
This settlement pertained only to the Asset Recovery Case and had no bearing on the ongoing criminal proceedings.
The former governor, Okoth Obado, along with several other respondents, including his four children, another businessman, and the directors of various firms, had been charged in connection with the alleged misappropriation of public funds.
The ODPP’s reiteration of the case’s continuity seeks to reaffirm its commitment to prosecuting corruption and ensuring justice is served.
As the hearing dates approach, all eyes will be on the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court to see how the case turns, with the public eagerly awaiting the proceedings of this high-profile corruption case.
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