Three suspects in Governor Obado fraud case want charges reduced

Three suspects charged in the corruption case against Migori Governor Okoth Obado have filed an application at the Milimani Law Courts seeking to have the fraud case suspended pending hearing and determination of their petition.

The three; Joram Opala, Carolyne Ochola and Patroba Ochanda, want the court to review an order that declined to have the charges against them reduced.

Through their lawyer George Kithi, the three argue that their reputations built over the years have been irreparable and damaged by the exaggerated and excessive allegations.

In December last year, trial Magistrate Lawrence Mugambi declined to order the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to reduce 22 charges.

The three were charged alongside Obado and his four children in August last year. They were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, several counts of conflict of interest and money laundering.

They want the court find that the charge sheet with 22 counts is complex and overloaded.

The matter has been certified as urgent and will be mentioned on March 10 before the duty judge Anti-corruption court.