Only a few years ago, few political figures in Migori County wielded as much influence as former Governor Zachary Okoth Obado.
As the county’s first governor and a two-term holder of one of Kenya’s most powerful devolved offices, Obado controlled a multi-billion-shilling county budget, presided over hundreds of appointments, influenced development priorities across eight sub-counties and remained the central figure around whom much of Migori’s politics revolved.
Today, the once-powerful politician finds himself behind the walls of Nairobi’s Industrial Area Prison alongside his co-convicts, former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero and former personal assistant Michael Oyamo, awaiting sentencing after the High Court found them guilty in the 2018 murder of university student Sharon Otieno.
The image marks one of the most dramatic reversals of fortune in Kenya’s recent political history.
A Governor at the Peak of Power
When Obado assumed office following the 2013 General Election, devolution was still in its infancy.
County governments had suddenly become centres of immense political and financial power.
Governors controlled billions of shillings in annual allocations from the National Treasury.
They appointed County Executive Committee members, chief officers, municipal managers and heads of county corporations.
In many counties—including Migori—the governor quickly became the single most influential political figure.
For nearly a decade, Obado sat at the apex of that structure.
His administration rolled out road projects, health facilities, Early Childhood Development centres, markets and water programmes while also facing criticism over procurement, governance and political patronage.
Supporters portrayed him as a transformative leader who accelerated development in rural Migori.
Critics accused his administration of centralising power and rewarding political loyalists.
Regardless of where one stood politically, few disputed the extent of his influence.
Political analyst Martin Andati says county governors occupy offices whose influence often rivals that of Cabinet Secretaries.
“A governor is not just an administrator. In many counties, he becomes the political kingmaker because he controls appointments, development priorities and patronage. That naturally gives him enormous influence over local politics.”
The Kingpin of Migori Politics
Obado’s political journey began long before he became governor.
Having served as the Director of Kenya Sugar Board and hailing from Uriri constituency, the innercore of migori’s sugar belt region, he built grassroot networks that later propelled him to the county’s top seat.
His political resilience became evident in 2017 when he successfully defended his governorship despite fierce competition from political nemesis Ochillo ayacko amidst mounting legal and political pressure.
His re-election cemented his position as one of Migori’s dominant political figures.
Leaders seeking elective office frequently sought his endorsement, while aspirants hoping to secure county appointments often looked to his administration.
His residence regularly hosted political meetings that shaped alliances across the county and beyond. At times he even hosted President William Ruto at his Rapogi home, making him the closet ally and the UDA point man in the greater South Nyanza, then perceived an ODM traditional turf.
Former allies describe a politician whose phone rarely stopped ringing.
“He was the centre of political activity in Migori,” says one former county official who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. “Hardly any major political decision was made without people considering where Obado stood.”
The Sharon Otieno Case Changed Everything
That political dominance began to unravel in September 2018 after the killing of Sharon Otieno, a case that attracted national and international attention.
The prosecution argued that Sharon was abducted and murdered after allegedly becoming involved in a relationship with the governor.
Obado consistently denied involvement throughout the proceedings.
After years of hearings, witness testimonies and legal arguments, the High Court convicted Obado, Obiero and Oyamo, ruling that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The conviction brought an abrupt end to years of speculation over the case and fundamentally altered Obado’s political future.
Life Behind Bars
The contrast with his previous life could hardly be sharper.
As governor, Obado travelled with official security, motorcades and protocol officers.
He occupied the governor’s office, chaired cabinet meetings and represented Migori at national forums.
Today, he is an inmate at Industrial Area Prison awaiting sentencing.
The transition reflects the equal application of the law regardless of status.
Constitutional lawyer Bobby Mkangi has previously observed that accountability institutions derive legitimacy from demonstrating that “no public office places an individual above the law.”
For Migori residents, the conviction closes one political chapter while opening another.
The county has since been under Governor Ochillo Ayacko, whose administration has pursued its own priorities as new political alignments emerge ahead of the 2027 elections.
A Political Vacuum and an Uncertain Legacy
Before his conviction, political observers had continued to speculate about whether Obado might attempt a return to elective politics, with some linking his name to future contests especially in the senate.
The conviction now casts significant doubt over any such prospects, pending sentencing and any appeal process.
His legacy is likely to remain contested.
Supporters will point to infrastructure projects, expansion of county services and the consolidation of devolved government during its formative years.
Critics argue that his tenure became overshadowed by governance controversies and, ultimately, the Sharon Otieno murder case.
Political analyst Herman Manyora notes that Kenyan politics often demonstrates how quickly fortunes can change.
“Power in politics is temporary. Leaders often appear invincible while in office, but institutions outlive individuals. Today’s kingmaker can become tomorrow’s ordinary citizen facing the full force of the law.”
The same sentiments were echoed by Mr Dansam Ouma , a political analyst who noted that “power is transient and can evaporate unexpectedly.”
For Obado, the journey from the governor’s office to a prison cell is more than a personal tragedy—it is a stark reminder of how political power, wealth and influence can disappear, while the justice system continues its course.
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