Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya appears to be caught in a high-stakes battle as he ropes in his kinsman, DPP Renson Ingonga, to fend off corruption allegations. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has insisted that Oparanya is liable for corruption that occurred during his tenure as governor, despite the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) withdrawing charges due to insufficient evidence.
In a letter dated August 1, 2024, addressed to the National Assembly and widely circulated to media houses, Oparanya’s lawyers accused the EACC of acting with malice by maintaining that Oparanya has an outstanding corruption case. Oparanya, nominated for the Ministry of Cooperatives & MSME Development, claims he was cleared by the DPP. However, the EACC refutes this, asserting that the withdrawal of charges by the ODPP was irregular and unjustified.
The EACC wrote to the National Assembly demanding Oparanya’s disqualification from his nominated position on the grounds that he had not met the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution. They argue that while the ODPP delivered a letter on July 25, 2024, withdrawing their previous decision to prosecute Oparanya, the EACC did not accept this reversal.
Sources told TheDispatch.Digital that although the EACC identified several instances of corruption involving the former governor, numerous cases involved public money being diverted into private pockets under his watch. Many governors are believed to have institutionalized corruption in their counties, using legitimate programs such as public participation and unqualifiable services like legal consultancies to siphon off funds.
Oparanya’s lawyers wrote to the National Assembly claiming he was free from corruption charges, but the EACC fired back, stating that the release from charges by the ODPP was irregular. The EACC maintains its position, recommending charges against Oparanya and his lawyer, Ken Nyaundi, who is also a suspect in the case.
The EACC clarified that their decision not to comply with the DPP’s directive to close the file and terminate the case was based on detailed reasons, including cogent evidence that the DPP had previously found sufficient to grant consent for prosecution. The EACC stands firm on its recommendation to charge all suspects, including Oparanya, for conspiracy to commit corruption, abuse of office, conflict of interest, and money laundering.
Catchy Excerpt:
“Corruption allegations, a fierce battle between EACC and ODPP, and the nomination of Wycliffe Oparanya as Cabinet Secretary stir a political storm. Dive into the details of this high-stakes clash and the accusations of malice and misconduct at TheDispatch.Digital.”