ODM Okays Migori Governor Okoth Obado's Impeachment

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has sanctioned the impeachment of embattled Migori Governor Okoth Obado.

ODM arrived at the decision following a meeting with some Migori MCAs on Tuesday, according to the party’s Chairman John Mbadi. 

Obado, who is facing graft-related charges for irregularly receiving over Sh73 million from county coffers, will be impeached on the grounds of among others, gross misconduct, and corruption. 

Should he be impeached, Deputy Governor Nelson Mahanga will take over until the next election in 2022. Reports indicate that that 37 out of 41 Migori MCAs are supporting Obado’s removal.

“Due to corruption charges leveled against Governor Okoth Obado and the decision by the court to bar him from accessing his office, the party in consultations with County MCAs has resolved to have a motion of impeachment against the governor initiated immediately & have the deputy governor take over,” ODM said in a statement.

Obado, his two sons, and two daughters were last week arrested over alleged involvement in Sh73 million fraud.

Obado is said to have indirectly received Sh73.4 million from companies that traded with the county government between 2013 and 2017. The money was wired to bank accounts owned by his children and proxies.

On Monday, a Nairobi court freed Obado and his four children on a combined cash bail of Sh18.25 million after they pleaded not guilty to various graft charges.