Ex-Governor Okoth Obado has publicly addressed allegations that his family is attempting to unlawfully acquire 900 acres of land in Nyatike, Migori County, for mining and cotton production. The former governor accused critics of spreading misinformation and creating unnecessary tension around the issue. He emphasized that the land has been idle for years and that his intentions are to transform it into an economically viable asset for the community.

Controversial Lease and Political Tensions

The Migori County government has proposed a 30-year lease of the land to Global Search Solutions Limited, a company owned by Hellen Odhiambo, Obado’s former wife. However, the plan has drawn criticism from local leaders, including Nyatike MP Tom Odege, who has called for an inquiry into the deal. Odege argued that the land is part of the Macalder gold belt, a region rich in minerals that should be exploited for the benefit of the nation and future generations.

Odege presented a statement to the National Assembly Lands Committee, seeking a detailed explanation from both the county government and the National Lands Commission (NLC) about the proposed lease. He emphasized the constitutional obligation under Article 69 to ensure that natural resources are used for the public good.

Obado, who served as governor for two terms from 2013, defended the lease as a legal and legitimate activity. He compared it to the government’s practice of leasing state-owned enterprises to improve their performance. He also noted that a portion of the land had previously been leased to an individual for sisal cultivation, which suggests that the land is not entirely unused.

Economic Vision and Criticisms

Obado asserted that his goal is not to enrich himself but to create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth in Migori. He argued that the land has been lying idle for years and has not contributed to the local economy. He claimed that the criticism against him is politically motivated, with some leaders using the issue to gain popularity.

The former governor has already engaged members of the public about his plans to use the land and said their feedback will determine the next steps. He has also requested the county government to allow him to use the land, pending approval from the National Lands Commission.

Obado highlighted that the land in question has no current residents and is not being used for any meaningful economic activity. He dismissed concerns about displacement, stating that his plan does not involve evicting anyone from their homes.

He further emphasized that the land has the potential for economic transformation and that he expects local leaders to consider the broader economic benefits when evaluating the proposal. Obado is actively involved in various economic activities at a small scale and has used them to empower communities. He stated that he would expand his efforts if given the opportunity to use the land for development.

Economic Opportunities and Environmental Concerns

Migori is known for its significant gold deposits, and the region’s informal gold mining industry is a major economic driver. However, the sector is largely unregulated and poses severe environmental and health risks. Miners use rudimentary tools and mercury for processing, leading to health complications and environmental degradation.

Obado acknowledged the potential for the land to generate substantial economic returns but stressed that Kenyans should not rely on foreign expertise to exploit the resources. He criticized the perception that foreigners are better at mining and argued that Kenyans should take up the challenge of developing the sector locally.

The former governor called on political leaders to support efforts to harness Kenya’s natural resources for the benefit of the people. He also emphasized the need to empower artisanal miners by providing them with better tools and safer working conditions.

Obado mentioned that Global Search Solutions Limited has been in operation for years and previously worked as a consultancy firm. He believes that the current moment is opportune for Kenya to fully exploit its natural resources and that the government should support such initiatives.

Despite the controversy, Obado remains committed to his vision of using the land for economic development. He has called on the National Assembly to consider the broader implications of the lease, including how it can contribute to the empowerment of local communities and the formalization of the mining sector.