Migori Governor Obado free to access Homa Bay, court rules

It was relief for Migori Governor Okoth Obado after the High Court on Tuesday removed the restriction cap allowing him to move free within Homa Bay County.

Homa Bay is where the body of slain university student Sharon Otieno was discovered with eight stab wounds.

Also Read: Student in Governor Obado, ‘Nation’ journalist abduction saga found dead

In her ruling on Tuesday, Justice Jessie Lessit said the purpose of the bail condition has been served and is no longer necessary.

The ruling comes after Governor Obado asked the court to review bond terms to allow him to travel within Homa Bay County.

In his argument, he argued that his work involved travelling and shuttling mostly from Nairobi to Migori Town where his official residence and office are situated.

Last week, Obado skipped a visit by his party leader Raila Odinga citing the conditions of the court that barred him from accessing the county.

Also Read: Migori Governor Okoth Obado to skip Raila visit in Awendo

Obado had told the court that most of the constituencies in Migori border Homa Bay County, hence, the restriction barring him from being within 20 kilometers means he can’t serve his constituents.

“As such it is impracticable for the accused to effectively discharge the constitutional mandate as the Governor of Migori County,” reads the application, involving a case where Obado is charged with the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.

The governor, who pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, argues that the only mode of travelling to Nairobi from Migori town without violating the 20-kilometer perimeter rule means he is forced to incur heavy costs.

Obado alongside his aide Michael Oyamo and Migori County clerk Caspal Obiero were last year charged with the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno and her unborn baby.

They are out on a cash bail.

Also Read: Sharon Otieno’s mother asks court to deny Governor Obado bail