ODM Deputy Leader Wycliffe Oparanya has been arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
According to a statement by ODM party on Wednesday, August 23, the former governor was arrested alongside his wife Madam Priscillah.
“Our deputy party leader, 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.
No information has been given as to why they have been arrested & why they are being questioned,” said the statement.
According to Oparanya’s lawyer Ken Nyakundi, the DCI officers produced a search warrant.
“We could not stop them from doing what they wanted. We are currently at the EACC headquarters, and we will communicate further,” Nyakundi is quoted by Pulse Live.
Moreover, Oparanya’s arrest comes after ODM Communications Director Philip Etale in his social media stated that suspicious looking men had camped outside the former governors’ Karen home.
“Why are suspicious looking men in Subaru vehicles camping outside Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya’s residence in Karen.” he wrote.
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Azimio leaders led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and lawyers visited the EACC headquarters but were denied access.
“What is baffling is that even after arriving with my colleagues, why would we be denied access to Oparanya.
We know that this is all political machinations and trying to intimidate people,” said Sifuna.
Further, Sifuna said the leaders of Western Kenya have been asking tough questions about the Kenya Kwanza government prompting such arrests.
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Allegations
It is claimed that Oparanya and his wife have been arrested for allegedly misappropriating over Sh1.3 billion during his term as governor.
Oparanya served as Kakamega County Governor for two constitutional terms between 2013 and 2022.
Currently, Oparanya is the chairman of the Azimio One Kenya Alliance Coalition.
Oparanya first Arrest
This is the second time Oparanya has been arrested this year, 2023.
On July 13, Oparanya was arrested for his involvement in the anti-government protests the previous day, Wednesday, July 12.
However, Oparanya was released after spending a few hours at the Kakamega police station.
Azimio top leaders including, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, have not commented on his arrest.
