Zacharia Okoth Obado profile

Biography

Name:                  Zacharia Okoth Obado

DOB/Hometown:  Migori, Kenya

Status:                 Married

Education

Professional career

He is a trained teacher and was formerly the Director of Kenya Sugar Board (KSB).

Political career

In Kenya’s 2013 general election, John vied in the gubernatorial elections, winning as Governor of Migori County, alongside Deputy Governor Nelson Mahanga Mwita. He was elected on a PDP party ticket.

His election was petitioned by Prof Oyugi who was vying on an ODM ticket which made the High court to order for a recount of votes and saw the vote margin rise from 163 to 577, with Mr Obado still the winner, Prof Oyugi disagreed.

He appealed the decision maintaining that scrutiny of all votes showed he won by 174 votes. Mr Obado and the electoral commission asked judges to adopt an argument by the High Court, that an election is not a mathematical puzzle.

He is a member of PDK. He will be defending his seat in August polls. He will be facing Okoth Jack (ANC) and Ochilo Ayako (IND).

Controversies

Mr Obado is accused of embezzlement and loss of up to Sh600 million through procurement irregularities, violation of Section 11 of the Election Offences Act, 2016 including the use of and perpetration of violence during the ODM party nominations in April 2017 leading to destruction of property, loss of lives and intimidation of opponents by issuing threats.