Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya yesterday spent hours at the Anti-Corruption offices over alleged embezzlement of county funds amounting to 1.3 billion.
This was after the Ethics And Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) deputy chief officer Abdi Mohamed conducted a raid to both his rural home in Butere and Nairobi home in Karen and Runda.
“The Commission conducted a successful search on various targets as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of embezzlement of public funds amounting to over 1.3 billion from Kakamega County during the reign of the former Governor, Wycliffe Oparanya and it was found that funds were unlawfully acquired through proxies and associates,” said the agency.
Oparanya in a press conference denied the accusations and termed the search as a political motive orchestrated by the government to drive at something from him or his coalition.
” It is clear that this is a political with-hunt aimed at achieving something. It is as a result of my stance, especially during the anti-government protests,” Oparanya said.
Azimio leaders have since come to his defense threatening to walk out of the talks with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni called out the government for being indecisive with them and claiming the act as a threat to the whole bi- partisan talks.
“How do you dialogue when people are being harassed and intimidated,” Kioni said.
Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna alleged the EACC’s probe a political witch-hunt and plot by Ruto to intimidate those opposing his leadership, especially in the Western Region.
“If you want to get the support of Western people, talk to them. Do not try getting their support by arresting their leaders,” Sifuna said.
Martha added that the government is trying to return Kenya back to the dictatorship regime.
In addition she said that the whole act is not the way of the law rather a cat and mouse game.
The EACC ordered Oparanya to ensure that he appears in his offices on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 9am without fail.
“In exercise of the powers conferred to me under section 52 of the National Police Service (NPS) act number 11a of 2011. I require you to report to EACC Integrity Center on September 6, 2023 at 9am, without fail for further directions,” the requisition order signed by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at EACC reads.