EACC Enforces DPP Directive: Oparanya Faces Prosecution in Massive Ksh 56M Graft Scandal
The Director of Public Prosecution, Renson Igonga, has given the green light to the proposed arrest of ex-Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, putting him at risk of being taken into custody once again.
Ingonga agreed with the findings of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) that Oparanya, who serves as the deputy leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), is implicated in a corruption investigation and has a matter to address.
According to a quarterly report published by EACC, those advocating against corruption asserted that the ex-governor underwent an investigation on suspicions of having received Ksh56 million in illicit payments through contracts granted to different companies during his decade-long tenure, concluding in 2022.
The Commission also claimed that the ex-governor obtained the funds via intermediaries.
Additionally, Oparanya was compensated with Ksh9 million for allowing the use of his property.
“It was also established that the former Governor entered into a tenancy agreement with the Kakamega County Government for a lease of land reference number Marama/Shianda/442 and the buildings erected thereon for Ksh9,200,000.
“The said land was established to be the Governor’s property yet again he was being paid by the County Government in a clear case of conflict of interest. Investigations established that the former Governor irregularly received a benefit of Kshs. 56,740,325/= in total from the County Government of Kakamega” read the allegation in the report.
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After conducting its inquiries, the EACC suggested that the ex-county chief should face charges related to conspiring to commit a corruption offense, engaging in conflicts of interest, abusing their office, and participating in money laundering.
His spouses and certain directors of the implicated companies are also confronting recent arrests in connection with the tenders they allegedly received.
“On November 16, 2023, the DPP returned the inquiry file with recommendations for further investigations. The Commission conducted further investigations and resubmitted the file to DPP on December 4, 2023. On December 18, 2023, the DPP returned the file and concurred with the Commission’s recommendations for prosecution,” EACC alleged.
Yet, apprehending the governor may present a challenging situation, considering he has secured legal orders preventing his arrest and prosecution.
The directives were issued after a prior search at his residence in Nairobi in August 2023. The governor underwent questioning at the Integrity Centre and was subsequently released shortly thereafter.
At the same time, the EACC continues its investigations into several national and county government officials for different alleged offenses.
The report emphasized that the DPP instructed the EACC to carry out additional investigations in 14 corruption-related cases.
EACC Enforces DPP Directive: Oparanya Faces Prosecution in Massive Ksh 56M Graft Scandal