The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has announced plans to auction properties worth Ksh428 million that belonged to former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, marking a major step in efforts to recover misappropriated public funds.
Speaking to the media, EACC CEO Abdi Ahmed confirmed that Obado surrendered the assets following investigations and legal proceedings linked to a Ksh1.9 billion corruption case. The handover, Ahmed explained, resulted from negotiations between Obado and EACC lawyers, forming part of a settlement deal in the high-profile graft probe.
Ahmed explained that the upcoming auction aims to reclaim public money and act as a warning to other leaders who might misuse their positions.
“The reason why we recover assets, other than returning them to the rightful owners, is actually to act as a deterrent to other people so they don’t enjoy the proceeds of corruption,” he said.
He further noted that fighting corruption remains challenging, not just because of politicians, but also due to public support that sometimes shields them.
“The problem we have with politicians is mainly their supporters, not the politicians themselves, because you will find the public wants you to investigate a politician, but it’s the same public that defends them,” he observed.
Luxury Homes, Prime Plots Among Okoth Obado’s Assets to Be Sold
The auction, scheduled for Monday, June 23, features a range of prime properties in Nairobi and beyond. These include a Ksh50 million unfinished plot in Runda, a Ksh40 million house in Loresho Ridge, a three-bedroom apartment on Riara Road valued at Ksh22 million, two Greenspan Estate units worth Ksh18 million, and a Greenspan maisonette estimated at Ksh14.5 million.
Additional properties in Kisumu and Migori counties will also be sold.
According to the EACC, all funds recovered from the auction will be channeled back into government programs for public benefit. Ahmed reiterated that the commission remains committed to ensuring those who loot public coffers are held fully accountable.
