Oparanya Threatens Legal Action Against EACC Officials Over Vetting Halt

Nominated Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, has announced his intention to sue top officials of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). This move follows what he describes as the dissemination of false information to the Clerk of the National Assembly, which halted his vetting process.

Represented by city lawyer Danstan Omari, the former Kakamega Governor condemned the EACC’s decision to write to Parliament, urging them to stop his vetting as a Cabinet Secretary nominee. Oparanya claims this action was unjustified and lacked merit.

The officials targeted in Oparanya’s legal threat include EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak, Commissioners John Otieno Ogalo, Cecily Mutuku, Dr. Monicah Wanjiru, Cornel (Retired) Alfred Mushimba, and David Ogindo. Oparanya asserts that there are no active anti-corruption cases against him and that he is ready to serve in the role appointed by President William Ruto.

In a letter drafted by Omari, it was stated that Oparanya has never been formally charged, as there was a stay from the High Court that prevented his arrest and prosecution. The letter demands an apology from the EACC officials and the withdrawal of the letter sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly. Failing this, Oparanya will proceed with legal action against the individuals and the commission as a whole.

“Take note that failure to heed to our demands, we have strict instructions to institute legal proceedings against yourselves jointly and severally as individuals exercising personal interest to the detriment of the rule of the law and that of the Constitution of Kenya,” reads the letter.

Oparanya, who was nominated by President Ruto following anti-government protests that reportedly led to the deaths of over forty youths, is now seeking to clear his name and proceed with his vetting process for the role of Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between Oparanya and the EACC, highlighting the intricate and often contentious process of political appointments and vetting in Kenya.