Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has recovered Sh235.6
million worth of assets from former Migori County Governor Zachary
Okoth Obado and 17 co-accused persons in a high-profile corruption
case.
This follows the successful conclusion of a plea bargain agreement
related to the alleged misappropriation of Sh73.4 million in
public funds during Obado’s tenure between 2013 and 2017.
The plea agreement was initiated after a formal
request by the accused to resolve the case through an Alternative
Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism.
This is as permitted under the Constitution, relevant statutes
and the ODPP’s prosecutorial policies.
“This agreement reflects the growing importance of restorative justice and
asset recovery in the fight against economic crimes,” the ODPP said in a
statement.
The accused were first charged in 2021 with 25
counts, including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, conflict
of interest, money laundering and unlawful
acquisition of public property
Following their request, the DPP instructed the prosecution team to engage
with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and
defence counsel.
After three meetings, the parties agreed to pursue a plea
bargain settlement.
As part of the agreement, the accused agreed to forfeit assets
valued at over three times the allegedly stolen amount.
These include real estate properties and vehicles, now
surrendered to the State
The properties forfeited include Loresho Ridge house,
Nairobi (Sh40 million), Sunrise Centre commercial block, Suna
East (Sh88 million), two five-storey residential blocks (40
units), Suna East (Sh57.6 million) and two apartments,
Greenspan Estate, Nairobi (Sh18 million).
Others are Maisonette, Greenspan Estate (Sh14.5 million), residential
property, Kamagambo (Sh10 million), two single-storey
residential blocks (8 one-bedroom units), Suna East (Sh7.7 million)
and two Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles – value included in the
total.
The plea deal was filed before the court in accordance with Sections
137A–137O of the Criminal Procedure Code and the Criminal
Procedure (Plea Bargaining) Rules, 2018.
Under Section 137C, plea agreements may be initiated by
either the prosecution or the accused.
The court will now review and determine the final terms of
the agreement.
Those charged alongside Obado include Dan Achola Okoth, Scarlet
Susan Okoth, Jerry Zachary Okoth, Everlyne
Adhiambo Zachary, Jared Peter Odoyo, Christine
Akinyi Ochola, Joram Otieno, Ochanda Patroba,
Penina Auma, and Carolyne Anyango
In addition, several companies were implicated Misfort Limited, Tarchdog Printers Limited, Kajulu Business Limited, Victorious Investments Limited, Deltrack ICT Services Limited, Swyfcon Engineering Limited and Dolphus Softwares Limited
