By Levin
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), in collaboration with the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA), has announced the auctioning of properties worth over Ksh.428 million linked to former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his associates. The auction, which begins in Nairobi on June 23, will later extend to Kisumu and Migori, targeting assets suspected to have been acquired using misappropriated public funds.
Among the high-value Nairobi properties listed for auction are:
- A plush house in Loresho Ridge valued at Ksh.40 million
- A three-bedroom apartment in Riara worth Ksh.22 million
- Two apartments in Greenspan Estate valued at Ksh.18 million
- A Greenspan maisonette with a servant’s quarter worth Ksh.14.5 million
- An unfinished plot in Runda estimated at Ksh.50 million
These properties were surrendered by Obado in 2024, following a settlement deal with the EACC aimed at avoiding a lengthy court process.
“The person we were investigating came forward and said, ‘Look, instead of dragging this case in court, I am willing to surrender,’” said Abdi Ahmed, CEO of the EACC.
The commission had initially sought to recover more than Ksh.1.9 billion, allegedly embezzled through fictitious procurement contracts from the Migori County Government, involving Obado and over 20 other individuals.
Ahmed emphasized that the goal of asset recovery is not only to return stolen wealth to the state but also to deter public officials from engaging in corruption.
“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 stated.
The proceeds from the auction will be deposited into the Consolidated Fund to support public services.
However, Ahmed also pointed to a persistent challenge in the fight against corruption: public perception.
“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 said.
The EACC has recovered assets worth over Ksh.28 billion over the past five years and is actively pursuing more than 400 corruption-related cases valued at over Ksh.50 billion.
As the June 23 auction approaches, the commission has called for public vigilance and support in holding leaders accountable and protecting public resources.
Would you like a visual infographic version of the listed properties and values for social media or print use?
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.