Probe threat claims over Obado ouster plan

Migori Speaker Boaz Okoth addresses the media in Kisumu after being attacked goons over plans to impeach Governor Obado. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has resolved to push for the impeachment of Migori Governor Okoth Obado. The decision was reached last week after a meeting between the party leadership and Members of the Migori County Assembly. 

Mr Obado had earlier spent five days in police custody together with his family members over claims of graft. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been investigating the governor following reports of conflict of interest that allegedly allowed him to embezzle Sh73.4 million through companies registered by his children and relatives.

Even though ODM is the largest party in Migori, the decision to impeach Obado has divided the county assembly down the middle. MCAs allied to Obado have vowed to resist any attempts to impeach the governor while those in support of the motion now claim their lives are in danger after receiving threats. Some are in hiding while others have reported the matter to the police.

Speaker Boaz Okoth also says his life is in danger after he was attacked at his home in Kisumu last Friday. The attackers claimed he had hosted some MCAs. The prospects of an impeachment, which is provided for in law, should not generate such animosity in Migori, or any other county. Impeachments are part of the wider scope of accountability and should be embraced as long as they follow the due process of the law.

The two sides should allow objective deliberations on the merits or demerits of the impeachment. Whichever side has the evidence should carry the day since that is how democracy works. Those who may cause injury to others are criminals and should be treated as such.