Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado found himself at the center of a heated courtroom exchange on Thursday after a man identified as Nelson Ojuanga raised an objection to the withdrawal of his Ksh.73 million corruption case.
The incident played out before the presiding judge and quickly turned tense as Obado openly confronted Ojuanga, accusing him of trying to tarnish his name.
Obado, who appeared visibly agitated, did not hide his frustration. He accused Ojuanga of being used by outsiders to blackmail him.
“There are people who are in cohorts. This guy had been put in from some dirty sources. We have heard from some blackmailers. They are crucifying me for nothing,” he said, adding that the allegations against him were baseless.
His remarks reflected his long-standing defense that the charges were politically motivated and designed to damage his reputation.
The situation intensified when Ojuanga attempted to present his objection before the court. Obado interrupted him, insisting that he was not a legitimate party to the case.
“This fake guy, Nelson, can’t come here to start tarnishing my name,” he said, forcing the judge to intervene and calm the former governor.
The judge clarified that no one in the courtroom was attempting to defame him and reminded both parties to respect the proceedings.
Ojuanga, however, stood firm on his position. He told the court that his objection was grounded on public interest.
“I filed an application and an objection based on the fact that everybody has spoken. It’s based on antagonism,” he explained.
His argument was that allowing the withdrawal of such a high-profile corruption case without scrutiny would be unfair to the public.
He requested the court’s permission to officially file his complaint, making it clear that he was acting as a concerned citizen rather than in any formal legal capacity.
The presiding judge then sought clarity on his standing.
“In your capacity as what?” the judge asked. Ojuanga responded,
“As a citizen of this republic.” Following this, the judge allowed his objection to be formally recorded, though the matter of its weight in the proceedings remained open for interpretation.
Obado, still dissatisfied, questioned why someone like Ojuanga should even be part of the matter.
“They crucified me for something that I should not have been charged for. This is a guy I’ve never seen in Migori. Where did he come from?” he asked, expressing disbelief that a stranger to his county could interfere in such a personal and politically charged case.
The exchange captured the growing tension surrounding corruption cases involving high-profile figures.
While Obado maintained his innocence and pointed to blackmail, Ojuanga positioned himself as an ordinary citizen trying to ensure accountability in matters of public interest.
The court will now have to balance these competing claims as it proceeds, with the withdrawal of the case facing new scrutiny following this confrontation.
