The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), a body mandated to combat and prevent corruption and unethical conduct in Kenya through law enforcement, preventive measures, and promotion of standards in integrity and ethics is now on former Kagamega Gov’ Wycliffe Oparanya’s neck.
In a statement to the press, EACC says it has managed to conduct a successful search on Oparanya over embezzlement of public funds.
“Following increasing media inquiries, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) wishes to confirm that today, Wednesday, 23rd August 2023, the Commission conducted a successful search on various targets as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of embezzlement of public funds amounting to over Kes. 1.3 billion from Kakamega County during the reign of former Governor, Wycliffe Oparanya, and where it was found that public funds were unlawfully acquired through proxies and associates.” Said EACC.
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 Kakamega County investigation is part of numerous high-impact investigations into loss of public funds that the Commission is undertaking in various County Governments, which are at different stages.
Upon conclusion, the investigation files will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further directions.
The Commission may also file civil proceedings for recovery of public funds if investigations reveal to have been unlawfully acquired.
The Commission conducts its investigations independently, impartially, and professionally, and in accordance with its mandate as spelt under the law.
The Commission urges leaders and the general public to allow it to discharge its mandate and to desist from politicizing and ethinicizing the work of independent offices, which remains a leading challenge in the fight against corruption.
