How Obado Looted Over KSh 2 Billion From Migori County

In the three years from 2020 to 2022, former Migori County Governor Okoth Obado allegedly looted KSH 2 billion from the county’s coffers. This staggering amount funded luxury real estate, high-end cars, and overseas education for his children. Unlike the blatant theft seen in counties like Turkana and Mandera, Obado’s corruption was more sophisticated, involving inflated project costs and authorizing pointless projects for kickbacks. Shockingly, the government has reached a deal with Obado, requiring him to return only 10% of his stolen wealth.

In Turkana, under Governor Josephat Nanok, corruption was more straightforward. Contracts were signed for projects that never materialized, with funds disappearing alongside the contractors. This unsophisticated theft pales in comparison to Obado’s cunning methods.

Key Numbers from Migori County:

• Population: Approximately 1 million
• Annual County Budget: KSH 9 billion
• Average Annual Income for ordinary people: KSH 131,203
• Governor’s Salary: KSH 12 million (92 times the average citizen’s income)
• Number of MCAs: 59
• County Assembly Costs: KSH 900 million annually
• Domestic Travel Expenses (2022): KSH 894 million (10% of the budget)
• MCA Sitting Allowances (2020-2022): KSH 124,867 per month

The investigation into Migori’s budget revealed millions of shillings paid for unsubstantiated projects, non-existent employees, and dubious legal fees. For instance, in 2022, KSH 180 million was transferred to local teams with no record of usage, KSH 108 million was spent on unsubstantiated grant-funded projects, and KSH 44 million was paid for unexplained legal services despite the county having a legal team costing over KSH 100 million annually.

Moreover, comparing Migori to Montana, USA, highlights the inefficiency and greed within Kenyan county governments. Montana, with a similar population, boasts a much larger economy but fewer legislators and a more efficient budget. While Montana raises 70% of its funds locally and receives 30% from the federal government, Migori can only raise 4%, keeping the county operational for just 15 days annually without external funding.

The broader issue is Kenya’s flawed governance structure. Despite significant investments, counties like Turkana and Migori remain underdeveloped, with rampant corruption siphoning public funds. For example, Turkana received KSH 100 billion over ten years but can only sustain itself for four days annually. Similarly, Migori, after close to KSH 80 billion in investments, can only operate independently for 15 days.

This systemic failure calls for a complete governmental reset. Kenyan institutions are ineffective, allowing corrupt politicians to steal with impunity. For instance, the looting in Migori, Turkana, and Mandera is public knowledge, yet the perpetrators walk free.

The Broader Picture:

Kenya’s governance structure, introduced around 2013, has led to a dramatic increase in national debt, from 35% of GDP to over 70%. The government runs budget deficits yearly, struggling to afford its bills, including the costly county governments. This financial mismanagement leaves the country in a precarious position, with mounting debt and inadequate public services.

The Takeaways:

1. Kenya needs a governmental reset to address the systemic corruption and inefficiency.
2. The country’s institutions are ineffective, unable to curb the rampant looting by corrupt politicians.
3. Electing individuals with questionable character exacerbates the problem, as they are poor stewards of public resources.
4. The Kenyan public must hold these politicians accountable and demand better governance.

Despite the bleak picture, there is hope. Kenyans are increasingly aware of the corruption and are resisting the status quo. As Governor Nanok’s example shows, even those who loot and leave counties desolate can find themselves on state payrolls. The message is clear: Kenyans must look these thieves in the eye, resist with all their might, and demand a day of reckoning for the corrupt.