Obado, co-accused surrender Ksh235M assets to DPP

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has successfully recovered assets valued at Ksh235 million from former Migori governor Zachary Okoth Obado and 17 co-accused in a high-profile corruption case.

The development follows a plea bargain agreement entered into by Obado and his co-accused, who were charged in 2021 with 25 counts, including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, conflict of interest, money laundering, and unlawful acquisition of public property.

According to the DPP, the charges arose from the embezzlement of Ksh73.4 million from Migori county’s coffers between 2013 and 2017.

In a statement on X on Friday, September 5, 2025, the DPP said the plea bargain came after a formal request from the accused to resolve the matter through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, a process recognised under Kenya’s Constitution and relevant legal statutes.

“The agreement follows a formal request by the accused to resolve the matter through an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, as provided for under the Constitution, relevant statutes, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) prosecutorial policies,” the DPP said.

Adding that;

“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. The charges stemmed from transactions linked to the alleged embezzlement of public funds from the County Government of Migori between 2013 and 2017.”

As part of the agreement, the accused agreed to forfeit assets equivalent to three times the embezzled sum.

The State has taken possession of eight parcels of land and two Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, valued at Ksh235.6 million.

According to the DPP, the surrendered properties include:

1. Loresho Ridge House – Ksh40 million

2. Sunrise Centre Commercial Block, Suna East – Ksh88 million

3. Two five-storey residential blocks with 40 units, Suna East – Ksh57.6 million

4. Two apartments in Greenspan, Nairobi – Ksh18 million

5. A maisonette in Greenspan, Nairobi – Ksh14.5 million

6. Residential property in Kamagambo – Ksh10 million

7. Two single-storey residential blocks with eight one-bedroom units, Suna East – Ksh7.7 million

“The plea bargain was formally presented before court in accordance with Section 137A–O of the Criminal Procedure Code and the Criminal Procedure (Plea Bargaining) Rules, 2018. Under Section 137C, plea agreements may be initiated either by the prosecution or the accused,” the DPP said.

The ODPP emphasised that the agreement highlights its commitment to holding public officials accountable and ensuring the recovery of public assets while promoting justice through constitutionally sanctioned mechanisms.

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, Carolyne Anyango, and several companies.

The court is expected to review and finalise the terms of the plea agreement in the coming weeks.

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