Nairobi
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has formally raised concerns about the nomination of former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya to the Cabinet. In a letter addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak has underscored ongoing investigations into the nominee’s conduct.
The EACC’s letter highlights that the investigation into President William Ruto’s nominee for the Cabinet Secretary position in the Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development remains active. The commission has previously conducted a detailed investigation into allegations of corruption related to Mr. Oparanya’s tenure as Governor of Kakamega County.
The EACC has submitted a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommending prosecution for Mr. Oparanya on charges including conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption, conflict of interest, abuse of office, and money laundering. Although Mr. Oparanya has obtained a conservatory order from the High Court in Kakamega, which temporarily halts any arrest or prosecution based on EACC’s investigative findings, the matter remains unresolved in court.
The conservatory order was issued under Constitutional and Human Rights Petition No. E019 of 2023. Additionally, the EACC has sought preservation orders against Mr. Oparanya’s assets, suspecting them to be proceeds of corruption. The Nairobi High Court Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Court has granted orders to preserve Sh28.9 million in this regard.
As Mr. Oparanya prepares to appear before the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, the EACC’s concerns remain pertinent. The former governor, who served Kakamega County for two constitutional terms, was previously arrested along with his two wives over alleged embezzlement of Sh1.3 billion during his tenure.
The outcome of Mr. Oparanya’s nomination will ultimately be determined by the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments.
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