Obado is facing tough times despite being released on bail over the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.
He actually spent another one night in remand after his lawer failed to file his release in time. In his realease the Judge ordered that his movements tightly regulated by the court, which also slapped him with a gag order prohibiting him from mentioning Sharon’s name.
Lady Justice Jessie Lesiit’s decision means the governor will be restricted to his Migori backyard, with the risk of being sent back to detention if he violates an order not to travel outside a 20-kilometre radius of his home.
“The court will be at liberty to cancel his bail terms if it is notified that the accused person has breached any of the conditions imposed,” ruled Justice Lesiit.
Obado, his personal assistant, Michael Oyamo, and the Migori County clerk, Caspal Obiero, have been jointly charged with the murder of Sharon Otieno and her seven-month-old foetus.
It is the duty of a governor to be in charge of his county by going on foreign trips to seek partnerships and investment opportunities unlike Obado who will have to seek the court’s permission before making any such trips.
Justice Lesiit ruled that he must deposit in court his passport and diplomatic passport, if he has any, and seek the court’s permission if he wants to leave the court’s jurisdiction.
Lessit added that for Obado’s presence to be felt in the country, he must report to High Court’s deputy registrar once every month.
The governor might not be in the position to hold functions or address issues affecting his county that fall outside the 20-kilometer restricted radius. In such instances, he will have the option of either sending a representative or risk having his bail canceled.
Obado’s relationship with Sharon’s family will also be tested given the prosecution’s case that he had an affair with Sharon, leading to her pregnancy. “He must refrain from mentioning the deceased in any forum or public gathering and must also not contact, intimidate or threaten the deceased’s parents and siblings in any way,” ruled the judge.
Sharon’s mother, Melida Auma, in her affidavit to oppose the bail application, had stated that the family was living in fear after a family member was accosted by five people who wanted to abduct him, but he managed to escape.
The prosecution had opposed Obado’s release on fears that he might interfere with witnesses. The judge scheduled a pre-trial conference for February 14 next year while the hearing will be held from May 6 to May 17.
With the derailing of the case hearing , we might never know who really killed Sharon and the suspects might be discharged after some time. Or the wrong person will be charged and Sharon’s death wont be avenged. But all this we will know in due time.
