Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala on Tuesday, May 26, called for 17 county government officials summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over corruption allegations to step aside.
Malala questioned why the County Secretary had written to the DCI requesting for more time before the officials could record their statements, suggesting that they could be out to destroy evidence.
The Senator reiterated that everyone summoned by the DCI needed to immediately record a statement and vacate office to pave the way for investigations.
Malala further maintained that if more high-ranking officials were to be implicated, including the Governor and his deputy, then, they too needed to record statements with the detectives.
"If the DCI finds that those people have a case to answer, then they should leave their offices and step aside, the courts will tell us if they are guilty or not guilty.
"Everyone should write a statement. Whether you are a Chief Officer, CEC, Governor or Deputy Governor, if you are implicated in misappropriation of funds, go and write a statement.
"I saw the County Secretary requesting for more time. There can be no such thing when it comes to misappropriation of funds. You have already spent the money!
"If you've spent it, what do you want time for? To cook up the books? The Senator is saying you must go and appear before the DCI with immediate effect," he asserted.
Three county executive members were among the 17 summoned individuals, with the others working within the accounts and administration departments.
"We have received instructions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to carry out investigations into the matter. They are expected to record statements but we are currently still finalising on preparations for the probe," Western region criminal investigation officer Nicholas Etyang' told reporters on Wednesday, May 20.
Details of the figures involved in the alleged graft scandal remain unclear but suspicious transactions by the individuals run into millions of shillings.
Notably, the DCI summons came after Oparanya undertook a shake-up of his cabinet in April, which affected several Chief Officers.
At the time, Oparanya refused to offer information on why he had decided to effect the changes.
Watch part of Malala's press conference below:
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