Luo heroic songs and dances best summed up the wild atmosphere which greeted the troubled Migori Governor Okoth Obado around Kibera Magistrate's Court on Friday, November 16.
The governor's supporters milled outside the precincts of the law court, some were lucky to get seats inside the courtroom pensively following the Friday afternoon proceedings oblivious of what lay ahead
Inside the courtroom, all eyes glued to the woman on the bench Chief Magistrate Joyce Gandani.
Obado's wife Hellen sat on the front row seat, flanked by close family and friends of the accused. Only her eyes did the talking.
Few minutes past midday, their silent prayers were answered, it was a defining moment for the county chief who was arraigned in connection with illegal possession of eight firearms.
The court set him free on a bond of KSh 500,000 with a surety of a similar amount or a cash bail of KSh 200,000, sending his followers who had endured any morning cold into wild celebrations.
"I hereby dismiss all the application to have the respondent detained. After considering all the factors, I'm satisfied the respondent is not a flight risk and will appear for trial if need be and is not likely to tamper with the evidence or witnesses," said Gandani.
After few minutes, the politician accompanied by his lawyer Cliff Ombeta walked out before stepping into his official car as he acknowledged supporters.
The county boss was also ordered not to interfere either directly or indirectly with the ongoing investigations, failure to which the bond would be forfeited.
Obado was arrested on Wednesday afternoon by DCI detectives after eight guns were discovered in his Migori and Nairobi homes during a raid by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission officer over an alleged misappropriation of county fund.
