The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has reported allegations of corruption involving the wife of Wycliffe Oparanya, the former Governor of Kakamega County and the current Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The allegations revolve around irregular payments made to her for a trip to Dallas, United States, which never happened. According to the EACC, she received KSh. 5,951,645 through the Office of the County First Lady, which is not a legally recognized office.
These funds were issued as imprests and allowances, raising serious concerns about financial mismanagement and abuse of office within the county government.
As reported by the Kenya Times, the EACC investigations uncovered that the money was paid into the spouse’s M-Pesa and bank accounts for allowances and other expenses.
The report also revealed that the Personal Assistant to the former governor’s wife played a key role in generating these fraudulent requisitions.
The documents were then approved by the County Secretary and processed by the Finance Department, making it appear as though the transactions were legitimate.
The EACC compiled its findings and submitted them to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on November 12, 2024.
In the report, the Commission recommended charges against the former governor’s wife, the County Secretary, the Deputy County Secretary, and the Acting Chief Officer for Health Services.
These charges include unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office, and financial misconduct under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA) and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
The Commission is now awaiting the DPP’s response to determine the next course of action.This is not the first time Oparanya has been linked to corruption scandals.
On August 23, 2023, the EACC arrested Oparanya along with his two wives in connection with economic crimes committed during his tenure as governor. Their homes in Nairobi and Butere were raided, and critical documents were seized as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of KSh. 1.3 billion.
The arrests sent shockwaves across the political landscape, further cementing Oparanya’s association with graft cases.
Despite these serious allegations, he was later appointed to President Ruto’s cabinet, raising questions about the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.Oparanya’s appointment to a key government ministry despite his past corruption investigations raises serious ethical concerns.
The government has often spoken about fighting corruption, yet individuals with pending cases continue to be given high-profile positions. If the EACC’s latest allegations against his wife lead to prosecution, it could further damage his political career and credibility.
The involvement of top county officials in this scandal highlights the deep-rooted corruption that exists within county governments. The misuse of public funds for personal gain not only cripples service delivery but also denies ordinary citizens access to essential services.
The KSh. 5.9 million in question could have been used to improve healthcare, education, or infrastructure in Kakamega County, yet it allegedly ended up in private accounts for a trip that never even took place.
This case also raises concerns about the abuse of non-existent offices like the “Office of the County First Lady.”
Such offices have no legal standing but are often used as channels for siphoning public funds. The fact that payments were made without proper accountability mechanisms shows the weaknesses in county financial management.
The role of finance officers in facilitating these transactions is also concerning, as it indicates systemic corruption rather than an isolated incident.
If those responsible for safeguarding public resources are the same people aiding in their misuse, then accountability becomes nearly impossible.
The question now remains whether the DPP will act on the EACC’s recommendations or if this will become another high-profile case that fades away with time. Kenyans have witnessed many corruption cases involving politicians, yet very few lead to actual convictions.
The justice system is often slow, and cases drag on for years without any meaningful outcomes. If the government is serious about fighting corruption, it must ensure that those found guilty are held accountable, regardless of their political status.
The scandal surrounding Oparanya and his wife is yet another example of how corruption remains deeply entrenched in Kenya’s political system.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how corruption cases involving senior government officials and their families are handled in the future.
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