An Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigating officer has told the court that Migori Governor Okoth Obado misappropriated Sh2.6 billion from the county coffers during his first term.

EACC detective Robert Ronoh also told Chief Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi firms associated with Obado's close family members were awarded tenders amounting to Sh2.6 billion in the period between financial years 2013-2014 and 2016-2017.

“We received information from the intelligence department of the EACC that the allegation was of misappropriation of public money at the county of Migori, whereby companies that are associated with close family members were awarded tenders to the tune of Sh2.6 billion between 2013-14 and 2016-17 financial years,” Ronoh said in court.

According to Ronoh, 23 companies linked to the governor's family, friends and close associates were registered just a few months after he was elected into office in 2013.

Obado, his family and cronies were the beneficiaries of billions of shillings in Migori County funds in dubious tender awards through the said 23 companies.

Read More

  1. DCI moves to let Mandago off the hook in Sh1.1 billion scholarship fiasco case
  2. EACC exposes payouts to dead people in yet another cash transfer scandal
  3. Gun drama as ex-Isiolo South MP, wife arrested over NHIF graft scandal

The court also learnt that seven of the firms in question were associated with the governor's close associate, Jared Kwaga, who is the sixth accused person in the corruption case.

However, Ronoh revealed that their efforts to gather documentary evidence in the case were impeded by Migori County Secretary Christopher Rusana, whom he accused of dragging his feet when relevant documents were required by the investigation team.

The documents included the contract agreements, tender processing register, tender evaluation committee papers, list of bidders among other items crucial to the case.

"Documents requested are tender advertising notices, tender registers, tender processing register, tender opening minutes, list of all bidders, tender evaluation minutes, tender committee minutes, tender awards certificate to both and none successful bidders, acceptance cert, contract agreements, inception and acceptance certificates, payment vouchers and any other related documents relevant to the investigations," the officer said.

The officer added in the courtroom that the investigations had narrowed down to several companies associated with the governor, his family or cronies.

The firms mentioned include Deltrack ICT Services, Misoft Limited, Atinus Limited, Joyush Business, Swfycom Engineering, Selectrack Consultants Limited and Mactebac Contractor.

Obado, his family and other accomplices have been charged with embezzling Sh73.4 million.