In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Wycliffe Oparanya, CS nominee for Co-operatives and MSME Development, declared a net worth of Ksh. 600 million, mainly from residential properties.
- He proposed consolidating several funds under one management board and vowed to resign if found guilty of graft, while denying any wrongdoing in the Ksh. 1.3 billion scandal.
Wycliffe Oparanya, the nominee for Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSME Development, has declared his net worth at Ksh. 600 million, primarily consisting of residential properties.
During his vetting before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments at County Hall in Nairobi, Oparanya explained that his wealth mainly comprises buildings and houses where he resides.
In addition to discussing his financial status, Oparanya proposed consolidating several funds, including the Hustler Fund, Uwezo Fund, Youth Fund, and funds for people living with disabilities, under a single management board to reduce operational costs.
He acknowledged that such a decision would ultimately be a political one for the President to make, and emphasized the need for public awareness to understand the rationale behind this move.
Regarding the Ksh. 1.3 billion graft scandal he has been linked to, Oparanya maintained his innocence and criticized the use of institutions like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for allegedly targeting political figures.
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He claimed that he is not informed about any ongoing investigation against him and has never been questioned by authorities.
Oparanya suggested that the investigation has been biased, citing an instance in August 2023 when he was informed of EACC interest in him during his participation in demonstrations, questioning the connection between his activism and the investigation.
Oparanya also stated that if approved for the position and found guilty of embezzling funds from Kakamega County, he would be willing to resign.
He promised that if appointed, he would collaborate with the Treasury ministry to enforce performance contracts for leaders in state agencies and parastatals, ensuring accountability and improved performance.
The EACC is investigating Oparanya and his spouses for alleged embezzlement of Ksh. 1.3 billion during his tenure as Kakamega Governor.
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