In courts: Obado’s anti-corruption settlement talks to be reviewed today

The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court is set to review the ongoing out-of-court settlement talks involving former Migori Governor Okoth Obado today.

The session will focus on the progress made in negotiations between the state and accused persons in an effort to resolve the matter outside the court process.

Obado was charged in 2020 with the irregular acquisition of Sh505 million from the Migori County government.

Since then, he has sought to pursue a plea bargain, requesting the court to adjourn proceedings to allow discussions with the state.

Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki had previously granted both parties time to engage in negotiations and report back to the court.

The state, through the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), confirmed that meetings involving Obado, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the prosecution team had been held as part of efforts to explore a settlement.

During a previous court session on September 1, the DPP applied to have the case withdrawn, but the move was opposed by the EACC.

Following this, the court directed the parties to agree on the way forward before returning today for further directions.

Manyatta MP Mukunji's protest-related case

Elsewhere, the case involving Manyatta MP John Gitonga Mukunji, journalist James Ikua Mbochi, and boda boda rider Stanley Mbuthia over saba saba protest-related activities is scheduled to resume in court today.

During an August 26 court session, the prosecution requested an additional two weeks to obtain a report from the Investigations Officer at the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office.

They asked Magistrate Richard Koech to set a new mention date to allow them time to compile the necessary information.

The respondents’ lawyers, however, opposed the request for an extension, noting that investigations into the matter had already been ongoing for approximately 50 days.

They also sought the release of a motor vehicle belonging to the third respondent, the boda boda rider.

Additionally, the defence highlighted that the seizure of electronic gadgets from the respondents, including the lawmaker, had disrupted their daily lives and requested that the items be returned to them.

Today’s mention will provide updates on the matter.