Nairobi
Wednesday, 19 June, 2024
By Felix Mogaka
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado faces the imminent loss of properties valued at Ksh.235 million, believed to have been fraudulently acquired through proceeds of corruption.
The High Court recently granted the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) the authority to seize and auction these assets, which include residential houses and two high-end cars.
“In the consent judgement delivered in the civil forfeiture case by Justice Esther Maina on Tuesday, the High Court adopted an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) settlement reached by the parties,” EACC said.
“The consent judgement does not affect the ongoing criminal case against the former Governor and his children, whose cumulative direct benefit from the fraudulent scheme was to the tune Ksh.73 million.”
The centerpiece of this legal battle is a Ksh.40 million home nestled in Nairobi’s affluent Loresho estate.
The elegant residence, with its manicured lawns and imposing gates, has been at the center of controversy since investigations began.
The EACC alleges that this property, along with others, represents the fruits of corruption and unexplained wealth allegedly siphoned from the Migori County Government during Obado’s tenure.
But the Loresho home is just one piece of the puzzle. Other properties set for auction include the Sunrise Centre, a commercial block valued at Ksh.88 million; a five-story residential block priced at Ksh.57.6 million; Greenspan Apartments, two modest yet valuable apartments, each priced at Ksh.9 million; and a residential property valued at Ksh.10 million.
Additionally, two Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, emblematic of Obado’s opulent lifestyle, will also be auctioned.
The court’s consent judgment doesn’t affect the ongoing criminal case against Obado and his children.
Allegedly, they directly benefited from the fraudulent scheme, pocketing Ksh.73 million.
The EACC’s investigation revealed that Ksh.38.9 million went toward school fees for Obado’s children and the acquisition of luxury cars.
The remaining Ksh.34 million facilitated the purchase of the Loresho residence.
As the auction looms, public attention remains fixed on the fight against corruption.
The EACC’s determination to recover ill-gotten wealth sends a strong message: No one is above the law, and accountability matters.