-
He went on to say these people are also hypocritical.
-
Nyamweya said that Oparanya has previously proven that he has what it takes to be a leader in the country.
Image: FILE
Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Sam Nyamweya has told off those against former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya's nomination to the Cabinet by President William Ruto.
In a statement, Nyamweya insisted that some few individuals driven by narrow interests are out to hinder his ascent to the Cabinet.
He went on to say these people are also hypocritical.
Nyamweya said that Oparanya has previously proven that he has what it takes to be a leader in the country.
"Some anti-Oparanya campaigners are hypocritical, driven by narrow interests, and overlooking their flaws. This posturing against non-aligned individuals imperils our nation's potential and democracy," he said.
"Let’s avoid political mob-lynching and give Hon Oparanya a chance to be vetted and serve our country if he meets the qualifications."
The former FKF boss noted that while Oparanya served as governor, he was named as best governor and other counties went to benchmark in Kakamega.
He said the case opened against him was likely politically motivated to tarnish his name but was cleared by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
"He has been cleared, and even if the matter was alive, the law states that nobody is guilty until proven guilty. We must submit to and respect the principles of due process.
"There have been precedents; above all, that is the law in democratic culture."
He further stated that in picking Oparanya, and other nominees President Ruto did his due diligence on his choices as guided by the law.
Nyamweya’s remarks come amid an ongoing tussle between the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over Oparanya’s suitability to hold a Cabinet Secretary position over graft.
In a letter dated July 29 and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, EACC asked the House not to approve the nomination of Wycliffe Oparanya as Cabinet Secretary over alleged integrity issues.
It highlighted that Oparanya, the Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development CS nominee is faced with an alleged graft case.
In response, Oparanya said that it was surprising that whilst the EACC received the DPP’s communication on July 8, 2024, it still ignored the communication and went ahead and wrote to Parliament on July 29, 2024.
“There cannot be greater manifest malice,” he said.