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EACC to Auction Sh505 Million in Assets Seized from Ex-Migori Governor Obado’s Associates

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a significant anti-corruption initiative by announcing the auction of properties valued at Sh505 million, seized from associates of former Migori Governor Zachary Okoth Obado. This marks one of Kenya’s largest graft recovery operations, targeting assets linked to businessman Jared Kwaga, Joram Otieno, Caroline Obwa, and Yuda Otago Ojuki. These individuals were implicated in the irregular acquisition of public funds between 2013 and 2017.

The assets were recovered following charges filed against Kwaga, Otieno, Obado, and 13 others at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court. The group faced allegations of economic crimes, money laundering, and unlawful acquisition of public property. Court documents reveal that a portion of the illicit wealth was funneled through companies contracted by Migori County to provide goods and services. These entities were allegedly used to siphon public funds through fictitious procurement contracts and fraudulent schemes.

In a strategic move to expedite recovery, the EACC secured the properties through a plea bargain arrangement. This allowed the suspects to voluntarily surrender the assets, avoiding lengthy court battles. The commission emphasized that such alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are increasingly employed to recover illegally acquired wealth efficiently, enabling faster restitution without prolonged litigation.

The auction will feature a diverse portfolio of 10 prime residential, commercial, and office properties located in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Migori counties. Below is a breakdown of the assets being forfeited:

  • Jared Kwaga: Kwaga will surrender six properties, including:

    • Residential apartments and maisonettes in Greenspan Estate, Nairobi.

    • Two identical residential blocks in Suna East/Wasweta, Migori, each containing 10 apartments.

    • Sunrise Centre, a multi-storey office block with detached commercial buildings along the Migori-Kisii road.

    • A townhouse in Loresho Ridge Estate, Nairobi.

  • Joram Otieno: Otieno will forfeit a 0.119-acre plot in Suna East/Wasweta, Migori, developed with two identical blocks of one-bedroom rental units along the Migori-Isebania highway.

  • Caroline Obwa: Obwa will lose:

    • A three-bedroom apartment in Riara, Nairobi.

    • A parcel of land in Kisumu’s Lolwe Estate, developed with a four-storey block of flats. Notably, Obwa was previously sued by the EACC in a separate case involving Sh318 million.

  • Yuda Otago Ojuki: Ojuki will surrender a commercial property in Kamagambo, Rongo township, comprising:

    • A three-bedroom bungalow.

    • A block of three semi-detached two-bedroom units.

    • A block of two similar units.

The EACC, exercising its court-granted powers of sale, has scheduled the public auctions for October 2025 in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Migori. Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect the properties and verify details in advance. To participate, bidders must pay a refundable deposit of Sh500,000 via banker’s cheque to obtain a bidding number, which also serves as an entry pass to the auction.

Successful bidders are required to pay 10 percent of the purchase price on the auction day, with the remaining 90 percent due within 60 days. The EACC noted that all sales are subject to reasonable reserve prices and necessary consents.

The proceeds from the auction will be channeled back into Migori County’s development budget, funding essential services such as healthcare and education. The EACC underscored the significance of this recovery, highlighting its commitment to reclaiming public resources lost to corruption. By leveraging plea bargains and alternative dispute resolution, the commission aims to streamline asset recovery while ensuring accountability for those involved in graft.

This high-profile case serves as a milestone in Kenya’s fight against corruption, demonstrating the EACC’s resolve to pursue justice and restore public funds for the benefit of citizens.