Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado has requested an adjournment in a case where he is facing charges related to the alleged irregular acquisition of Sh73 million from the Migori county government, to allow time for plea bargain negotiations with the State.
Obado is charged alongside 10 other individuals, including some of his family members, and seven companies.
Appearing before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, Obado’s lawyer informed Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki that the accused are engaged in discussions with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission regarding a possible out-of-court settlement through a plea bargain.
The accused had, on April 25, 2025, submitted a formal request to the ODPP seeking consideration for the plea agreement.
The ODPP confirmed to the court that meetings involving the accused, the EACC, and the prosecution teams have taken place to deliberate on the request.
The discussions are reported to focus on restitution, admissions, and the possible withdrawal of some charges.
The accused face multiple charges.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between October 29, 2014, and October 18, 2016, during Obado’s tenure as Migori Governor.
The accused include Obado, Dan Achola Okoth, Scarlet Susan Okoth, Jerry Zachary Okoth, Evelyne Adhiambo Zachary, Jared Peter Odoyo, Christine Akinyi, Joram Opala, Ochanda Patroba, Penina Auma, Carolyne Anyango, as well as the companies Misoft Limited, Tarchdog Printers Limited, Kajulu Business Limited, Victorious Investments Limited, Deltrack ICT Services Ltd., Swyfcon Engineering Limited, and Dolphus Software Limited.
Before the plea deal request, the prosecution had lined up 59 witnesses for the case.
Magistrate Ondieki granted the request for adjournment and directed that the matter be mentioned on September 3, 2025, to assess the status of the ongoing plea negotiations.
