Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya's arrest has been linked to an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Ksh1.3 billion, according to a statement released by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
In the statement issued on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency confirmed that its officers conducted searches in various residences belonging to ODM Deputy Party leader Oparanya, aiming to gather leads in relation to the missing funds.
The Ksh1.3 billion is said to be part of an active 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," stated the EACC in its release.
The commission, led by Twalib Mbarak, also clarified that Oparanya's arrest and the subsequent raids on his properties were part of a larger investigation strategy.
EACC revealed that these actions are part of numerous inquiries the agency is conducting into the misappropriation of public funds across various county governments, all of which are at varying stages of investigation.
Once these investigations are concluded, the EACC intends to forward the relevant files to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further guidance.
Should Oparanya and other implicated governors be proven to have engaged in embezzlement, EACC intends to pursue civil proceedings to recover the misappropriated public funds.
EACC emphasized that its investigations are conducted impartially and within the bounds of the law, urging the public not to interpret any ulterior motives behind its actions.
Earlier, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party released a statement announcing Oparanya's arrest alongside his wife, Priscilla. The party indicated that the former governor's residences in Nairobi and Kakamega had been searched by law enforcement agencies.
Oparanya is yet to issue a statement regarding his arrest and the allegations of Ksh1.3 billion missing funds brought forth by the EACC.