Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s aide, Makau Mutua, has criticized the nomination of former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya to the Cabinet, declaring it untenable. Mutua urged Oparanya to withdraw from consideration, suggesting there are better-qualified candidates available from Kakamega County.
Oparanya, nominated for the role of Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development, faces scrutiny over alleged corruption. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised concerns about his suitability, citing ongoing graft investigations and a court case involving the recovery of over Sh1.3 billion from Oparanya and associated entities.
EACC has requested the National Assembly to reject Oparanya’s nomination based on these integrity issues. In response, Oparanya has expressed frustration, claiming that the EACC’s actions, following the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) recent communication, reflect malice and disregard for the DPP’s findings. His legal team asserts that no active investigations or charges remain, and thus, any claims against him should be considered resolved.
