News that Migori governor Okoth Obado has been released on bail sparked huge celebrations outside the Kibera Law courts.
The County boss was released on a 200,000 cash bail or a bond of sh 500,000 with sureties of the same amount in his latest case over illegal possession of firearms.
The prosecution had asked the court to detain the embattled governor for 15 days to allow them run conclusive investigations in a bid to refer among other charges; possible firearms without valid certificates and possession of ammunition charges.
Supporters of Migori Gov. Okoth Obado celebrating outside the Kibera law courts, after the application to detain him for 15days was dismissed. #TheDailyBrief w/ @SamWNjoroge pic.twitter.com/zuEqRnNGbJ
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) November 16, 2018
“We are asking for 15 days to allow the officers (including ballistics) to travel to his rural home to thoroughly investigate. We will need time to also find out if the firearms were used in any crimes which might lead to other charges,” argued lead prosecutor Catherine Mwaniki.
But Magistrate Joyce Gandani, said the governor is not a flight and won’t interfere with unknown witnesses. She also however ordered him not to interfere with investigations.
Obado was arrested in dramatic fashion at the Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, where he was attending a meeting chaired by Deputy President William Ruto.
His arrest came, after EACC had raided his Nairobi and Migori home to look for evidence over an ongoing corruption case. The governor is accused of swindling more than sh 2.5 billion from the county coffers.
His latest arrest has sparked fury from his fans, who believe it is political witch haunt. Kibera residents celebrated with song and dance outside the courts, a clear indication that the controversial governor continues to gain fans.
Obado is currently facing a murder charge in another case, as he is accused of killing his pregnant girlfriend Sharon Otieno.
He spend 34 days at the Industrial Area Police Station before he was released on a sh 5 million bail. The hearing of the case starts in May next year.