Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has declared he has no fear of arrest following renewed pressure over corruption allegations tied to his tenure as Kakamega Governor.
Addressing residents in Kakamega on Friday, September 19, Oparanya dismissed the accusations as political witch hunts orchestrated by rivals keen to tarnish his legacy. He pointed to the development projects undertaken during his leadership as proof of his integrity and commitment to service.
“If they have tangible evidence that I engaged in graft, let them go ahead with their plans. I do not fear anything,” Oparanya said, challenging investigative agencies to prove their claims.
His remarks came just days after the High Court overturned the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution’s (ODPP) decision to withdraw a Ksh57 million corruption case against him.
Justice Benjamin Musyoki, in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, September 16, faulted the ODPP, stating that the withdrawal violated constitutional principles of transparency and accountability. The judge noted that DPP Renson Ingonga acted beyond his mandate by sidelining the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which is constitutionally tasked with investigations.
“The decision was shrouded in mystery and therefore worked against the public interest, hence violated Article 157 of the Constitution,” the ruling stated.
Following the court’s decision, the National Integrity Alliance, a coalition of civil society groups, called for Oparanya’s immediate apprehension. The lobby group described the judgment as a “landmark moment” in the fight against impunity, urging the ODPP to file fresh charges in line with EACC’s findings.
“We demand that the DPP cease the unconstitutional usurpation of investigative functions and respect the EACC’s constitutional mandate under Article 79 and Chapter Six,” the group said in a statement.
For now, Oparanya remains defiant, insisting his record in office speaks louder than the allegations against him.
