A Sh73.4million graft case against Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his four children and 13 others was on Thursday adjourned to February next year after one of the suspects gave birth.
Anti-Corruption chief magistrate Lawrence Mugambi was told that the suspect Carolyne Anyango had given birth and was unable to attend court.
Mugambi had excused the mother of the newborn last month when she developed labour pains during the court proceedings.
"I congratulate the accused for giving birth since a child is a blessing and the mother should be indulged by the court to nurture the newborn," the magistrate said.
Anyango through lawyer George Kithi told the court to excuse his client to be rushed to hospital for urgent attention.
"My client has developed labour pains while in court and she needs urgent medical attention. I urge the court to indulge her to secure assistance otherwise this court may be turned into a maternity ward," Kithi said.
Mugambi excused Anyango and asked her to rush to the hospital since men do not understand the condition properly.
Shortly thereafter the accused walked away from the court holding her back as she writhed in pain.
She was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle.
When the case came up for further hearing on Thursday, the good news of the newborn was relayed in court with a request to adjourn the case to enable the mother to nurse her child.
TWO MORE PREGNANCIES
At the same time, the magistrate was also informed that Obado’s two daughters are also pregnant and required sometimes not to attend physical court proceedings.
The court was urged to conduct virtual hearings to accommodate the new mother and Obado's expectant daughters Scarlet and Evelyne to avoid much travelling following their condition.
Magistrate Mugambi however declined the request to have the two expectant mothers not attend physical court hearings and directed that the two be examined at Kenyatta National Hospital and a report filed in court within a month.
Scarlet and Evelyne presented to court medical records from Migori Referral Hospital showing that they are both pregnant with one expected to deliver on or before February 5.
Mugambi however declined to allow the request and ordered a second examination conducted on the two by doctors from Kenyatta National Hospital and a report filed in court within a month.
The magistrate also directed the new examination to be conducted to Obado’s two daughters be done in conjunction with the office of DPP and EACC.
Mugambi further ordered that the trial against all the suspects start afresh on February 28 next year.
This is after the new charges that were levelled against the accused persons over defrauding the county government a total of Sh505.6 million.
Edited by D Tarus
