The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Wednesday denied reports that a corruption case against former Migori Governor, Okoth Obado was withdrawn.
In its statement, the ODPP clarified that no plea deal had been reached with regards to the Ksh1.9 billion case contrary to reports doing rounds on various platforms.
Further, the ODPP confirmed that the case that had been withdrawn from the courts was an Asset Recovery Case filed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Case (EACC).
“Do note the cases that have been withdrawn are the Asset Recovery Civil cases filed by EACC,” stated the ODPP.
ODPP stated that the case proceedings for the case against Obado and others were ongoing and would be heard on July 8 and 9 at the Milimani Corruption Court.
“The Criminal Case (No. ACC.E018 OF 2020) involving the accused persons being prosecuted by the ODPP has NOT been withdrawn and is scheduled for further hearing on 8th and 9th of July 2024, before Milimani Anti-Corruption Court No.2,” stated the ODPP.
ODDP was forced to issue the statement following remarks made by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on the floor of the house.
The Senator had expressed his disappointment in how the case was handled faulting the ODPP for allegedly withdrawing the case.
However, the ODPP refuted the claim insisting that was not the case.
“In his submission on the floor of the House, Hon. Sifuna explained "his shock upon learning that a plea bargain had been entered between the ODPP and the Governor who then agreed to return 300 million shillings and the case was subsequently withdrawn", stated ODPP.
The EACC had earlier reported that they settled the matter with the former governor out of court warranting a Ksh235 million settlement.
Earlier reports had indicated that the Governor was charged alongside several other respondents including his four children, another businessman and the directors of other firms.
