Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya was arrested due to an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Ksh1.3 billion, according to the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC).
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the anti-graft agency on Wednesday confirmed that its officers had ransacked various homes belonging to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party leader in an effort to uncover potential leads regarding the missing funds.
EACC statement further confirmed that the Ksh1.3 billion forms a part of an ongoing case involving the alleged embezzlement of public funds during Oparanya's tenure as Governor.
“The former Governor was this morning brought to EACC Headquarters at Integrity Centre in Nairobi to clarify several issues and record a statement on the ongoing investigation,” the agency said in its statement.
According to EACC, Oparanya’s arrest and the subsequent raids on his houses on Wednesday are not an isolated case.
The Twalib Mbarak-led commission revealed that the raid is part of multiple investigations the agency is undertaking into the loss of public funds at various county governments, which are all at different stages.
“Upon conclusion, the investigation files will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further directions,” EACC said.
Should Oparanya and other governors be found guilty of embezzlement, EACC announced that it will file civil proceedings for recovery of public funds.
EACC warned people against reading malice in its investigations stressing that all probes are being conducted impartially and within the confines of the law.
Earlier in the day, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party in a statement announced that Oparanya had been arrested together with his wife Pricilla.
"Our Deputy Party Leader Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has been arrested by officers from the DCI. Oparanya together with his wife Madam Priscillah are currently at the EACC offices at Integrity Centre," ODM stated revealing his homes in Nairobi and Kakamega had been ransacked.
The former Governor is yet to make a statement on his arrest and Ksh1.3 billion allegations revealed by the EACC.
