The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) denied reports on Wednesday that a corruption case against former Migori Governor Okoth Obado had been withdrawn.
In its statement, the ODPP clarified that no plea deal had been reached in the Ksh1.9 billion case, contrary to reports circulating on multiple platforms.
The ODPP also confirmed that the case that had been withdrawn from the courts was an Asset Recovery Case filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Case (EACC).
“Do note the cases that have been withdrawn are the Asset Recovery Civil cases filed by EACC,” stated the ODPP.
The ODPP stated that the case against Obado and others was ongoing and would be heard on July 8 and 9 at the Milimani Corruption Court.
“The Criminal Case (No. ACC.E018 OF 2020) involving the accused persons being prosecuted by the ODPP has NOT been withdrawn and is scheduled for further hearing on 8th and 9th of July 2024, before Milimani Anti-Corruption Court No.2,” stated the ODPP.
The ODDP was forced to issue the statement in response to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s remarks on the floor of the House.
The Senator was dissatisfied with how the case was handled, blaming the ODPP for allegedly withdrawing it.
However, the ODPP denied the claim, stating that it was not the case.
“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entered between the ODPP and the Governor who then agreed to return 300 million shillings and the case was subsequently withdrawn”, stated ODPP.
The EACC had previously reported that they had reached an out-of-court settlement with the former governor worth Ksh235 million.
According to earlier reports, the Governor was charged alongside several other respondents, including his four children, another businessman, and the directors of other firms.
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