Why Migori Governor Zacharia Okoth Obado risks contempt of court charge

By KURIAN MUSAA

Kenya: Migori Governor Zacharia Okoth Obado could be cited for contempt of court over allegations that he had attacked the Appeal Court’s decision in a press statement, yet his case was before the Supreme Court awaiting determination.

The Supreme Court yesterday summoned Obado to appear before it  accompanied by his lawyers for allegedly releasing a statement attacking the Court of Appeal after securing orders suspending their verdict nullifying his election.

Obado allegedly “slammed” the Court of Appeal in regard to the judgment it made in his election petition.

Court’s dignity

“As a result, at this Court’s own instance and in order to protect the dignity of court(s) and for fair administration of the justice, the Court orders Governor Obado to personally appear in Court on the 8th of April, 2014 at 10.00am to show cause why the court should not commence contempt proceedings against him,” Justice Mohamed Ibrahim ordered.

On Thursday, Justice Ibrahim had certified his case as urgent upon hearing the submissions of lawyer Okong’o Omogeni and seniour counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi.

The Supreme Court was irked by the statement by Obado and issued summonses against him.