Oparanya’s Past Haunts Him: EACC Declares Him Unfit for Cabinet Role
The specter of alleged fraud during former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya’s administration has resurfaced, casting a long shadow over his recent nomination for the position of Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has formally opposed Oparanya’s nomination, citing ongoing graft investigations that deem him unsuitable for the Cabinet post.
In a detailed letter dated July 29, addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, the EACC outlined the reasons for its disapproval, emphasizing that Oparanya’s integrity is questionable.
EACC’s investigation into Oparanya spans allegations of corruption from his time as Kakamega Governor. The commission has also obtained preservation orders against his assets, suspecting them to be proceeds from corruption linked to conflicts of interest. These legal proceedings have resulted in a freeze on assets valued at Ksh.28.9 million.
The letter from the EACC was in response to an inquiry by the Clerk of the National Assembly for background checks on the integrity of nominees. While other nominees received clearance, Oparanya’s nomination has hit a roadblock due to the EACC’s findings.
As per the Public Appointments Act, Parliament must evaluate the suitability of nominees based on their abilities, experience, and alignment with the office’s requirements. This includes adherence to constitutional and statutory mandates, especially those concerning leadership and integrity as outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The EACC’s report will now play a crucial role in the vetting process, set to commence on Thursday, potentially impacting Oparanya’s chances of securing the Cabinet Secretary position.
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Oparanya’s Past Haunts Him: EACC Declares Him Unfit for Cabinet Role