Governor Obado to spend two more nights in prison, Court directs

Migori Governor Okoth Obado will spend two more nights at the Industrial Area Remand Prison, pending the determination of his bail application.

The hearing of Obado’s bail application took place on Tuesday afternoon, with Judge Jessie Lessit saying she would deliver her ruling on Thursday, September 27.

In an affidavit filed in court on Tuesday, senior investigation officer from the homicide unit, Clement Mwangi said there is a high likelihood of Governor Obado interfering with and intimidating key prosecution witnesses if released on bail.

Mr. Mwangi further stated investigations were still ongoing and that investigators will be proceeding back to Migori County offices for further investigations which include interrogating Obado’s close family members, and county employees.

“The release of the accused person on bail pending hearing and determination of the trial is not absolute and is at the discretion of the court,” Mwangi said.

The officer indicated that in the view of the intricate relationship between Obado and confessions recorded by some suspects, it would be extremely dangerous to release the accused on bail adding that he is a serious danger to the society and witnesses that may appear in the matter.

In the affidavit, it is indicated that Sharon’s family is under threat and intimidation, threats which are believed to be perpetrated by Obado’s accomplices.

Similarly, the prosecution argues that the three abductors or hit men who killed Sharon are still at large and that they have evidence which links the governor and his accomplices to the commission of the heinous crime.

“Investigations reveal that the State has a very strong case and the accused and his accomplices,” the affidavit states.

“The applicant has an unqualified constitutional right to be presumed innocent until the contrary is concluded,” said Obado, in the bail application filed by his lawyers.

In his affidavit, the governor said he resides in Nairobi County at Green Estate in Lavington, further saying that all his children are in school and they depend on him on all their financial needs, hence, if detained they will suffer.

“I am the sole bread winner of my family,” says Obado.

The governor further pleaded with the court to release him on grounds that he is not a flight risk and that he shall not interfere with any witnesses in the matter or the ongoing investigations.

Also Read: Now prosecution wants Obado charged with murder of Sharon’s baby