Ghosts of Kakamega return to haunt Oparanya as EACC says he’s unfit to be CS

The ghosts of alleged fraud in Kakamega County during former Governor Wycliffe Oparanya 's tenure have seemingly come back to haunt him.

This as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) disapproved his nomination as Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary on grounds that he has a graft case to answer.

In a letter penned by EACC on July 29 and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, the anti-graft watchdog cast a shadow over Oparanya's nomination, elaborating that the nominated CS' integrity is wanting.

EACC cited that it investigated Oparanya over the allegations during his tenure Kakamega Governor.

Additionally, the commission outlined that it had filed for preservation orders against the nominee's assets, where he is suspected to be in possession of proceeds from corruption arising from a conflict of interest, and that the matter is still pending in court.

Oparanya is in the red because he is suspected to be in possession of corruption proceeds, with the commission obtaining orders to freeze Ksh.28.9 million.

The letter from the EACC was a response to a different letter written by the Clerk of the National Assembly, which requested a background check on integrity matters for the nominees.

While the Integrity Centre has cleared all the other nominees, Oparanya is facing a blockade due to the findings by the EACC.

According to the Public Appointments Act, which outlines procedures for Parliamentary approval of constitutional and statutory appointments, the issues for consideration by the relevant House of Parliament regarding any nomination include the procedure used to select the nominee and any constitutional or statutory requirements related to the office in question.

Additionally, the suitability of the nominee for the proposed appointment must be evaluated based on whether their abilities, experience, and qualities meet the needs of the body to which the nomination is being made.

The Constitution, in this case, mandates the EACC to implement the provisions of Chapter Six on Leadership and Integrity to provide direction on the nominee's suitability regarding integrity issues.

The information from the EACC will now be available to the vetting committee as the vetting process for Cabinet Secretaries begins on Thursday.

Oparanya’s appearance before the committee is scheduled for Sunday. Kenyans have urged the Committee on Appointments to be strict and unforgiving towards leaders with integrity issues.