Why Governor Okoth Obado was finally set free

Migori Governor Okoth Obado has finally left the Industrial Area Remand Prison in Nairobi after sorting out a hitch with his sureties.

Governor Obado secured his freedom on Thursday evening after spending a night in jail even after he was freed on a Sh5 million bail on Wednesday.

An issue with one of his sureties and the lapse of business hours at the court saw his lawyer Cliff Ombeta decide to deal with the issue today morning, forcing the Governor to be remanded for another night.

Obado allegedly deposited the Sh5million cash bail, two of his cars, a Toyota Prado and Toyota Land Cruiser V8 as sureties.

Justice Jessie Lesiit’s directive now clamps the governor on condition that he will not be able to travel outside the country, to discharge his duties as county head.

The court also restrained him from going anywhere near the murder scene at the border of Migori and Homa Bay counties.

“The accused shall not go anywhere within 20km of Homa Bay-Migori boundary and the court has the liberty to cancel your bail at any time,” Justice Lessit ruled.

His co-accused Michael Oyamo (personal assistant) and Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero are still in custody after being denied bail.

According to Judge Lesiit, the release of Oyamo and Obiero would cause fear and anxiety among members of the public.

She also cited security concerns as part of the reasons why the two will remain at the Industrial Area Remand Prison.

Obado alongside his personal assistant Oyamo and Obiero are facing two murder charges.

They are also accused of killing Sharon Otieno’s unborn child.

The late Sharon was seven months pregnant at the time she was abducted and murdered.

Her body was found in a thicket in Oyugis.

Obado has since denied charges of murdering Sharon on September 3 at Owade in Rachuonyo Sub-County of Homa Bay County.

The slain university student was buried on Friday, October 19.