The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has successfully recovered assets worth Sh235.6 million from former Migori Governor Zachary Okoth Obado and 17 co-accused in a high-profile corruption case.
This follows the conclusion of a plea bargain agreement linked to the alleged misappropriation of Sh73.4 million in public funds during Obado’s tenure between 2013 and 2017.
Plea Bargain Through Alternative Dispute Resolution
The plea deal was initiated after the accused requested to resolve the case through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, in line with the Constitution and ODPP prosecutorial policies.
“This agreement reflects the growing importance of restorative justice and asset recovery in the fight against economic crimes,” ODPP said in a statement.
The accused had been facing 25 criminal counts, including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, conflict of interest, money laundering, and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Assets Forfeited to the State
As part of the plea agreement, the accused surrendered assets valued at over three times the amount allegedly stolen. These 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
- Two apartments, Greenspan Estate, Nairobi – Sh18 million
- 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
- Two Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles (value included in total)
Legal Framework and Next Steps
The plea deal was filed in court under 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 is now expected to review and determine the final terms of the settlement.
