Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has written to the National Assembly asking the House not to approve the nomination of Wycliffe Oparanya as Cabinet Secretary over alleged integrity issues.
In a letter dated July 29 and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, EACC highlighted that Oparanya, the Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development CS nominee is faced with an alleged graft case.
However, in quick response, Oparanya has written to Parliament disputing claims by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission that he has a pending corruption case hanging over his head.
Through Marende and Nyaundi Advocates, Oparanya who is in the fourth batch of CS nominees to be vetted on August 4, termed EACC’s communication to the House as malicious.
“The letter by the EACC dated July 29, 2024 disregards and ignores a letter by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, dated July 8, 2024, in which he informed the EACC that he 'has reviewed the decision to charge all the suspects in the matter and directed that the file be closed for lack of sufficient evidence,” Oparanya said.
Oparanya said that it is 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 of EACC’s letter.
“We are instructed to inform you that there is neither investigation nor charges pending against Hon Oparanya to merit any well-intentioned complaint against him. It is noteworthy that on the strength of the DPP's letter and upon receipt of the same, the EACC should recognise that any claims of wrongdoing on the part of Hon Oparanya are rested and declined,” the law firm told Parliament.
EACC noted that it has filed for preservation orders against Oparanya’s assets, as he is alleged to be in possession of proceeds from corruption arising from a conflict of interest, and that the matter is still pending in court.
In the case, EACC is seeking to recover the billions from Oparanya and several companies associated with officials of the Kakamega County government amounting to Sh1,387,310,025.
Oparanya has been scheduled to appear before MPs for vetting on Sunday.
Speaking during the Luhya community development conference at the weekend, Oparanya declared that he was ready to serve in the government of national unity.
"The most important thing is that I am ready to serve in this government of national unity. I will be open, offer suggestions and propose what is best for the country because we want to move forward for the good of our nation," he added.
The former governor said since he participated in the development of the Vision 2030 plan, he is aware of what is expected of him by the Head of State.
