Oparanya Scandal: Wife Priscillah Received Ksh5.9 Million for Fake US Trip

Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and his wife, Priscillah, are once again at the center of a financial scandal. Reports have emerged that Priscillah received Ksh5.9 million for an official trip to the United States, a trip that never took place. This revelation has intensified scrutiny into Oparanya’s administration and raised concerns over the possible misuse of public funds.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been investigating financial dealings during Oparanya’s tenure. In August 2023, EACC officers arrested the former governor and his wife following raids on their properties in Nairobi and Kakamega. The raids were part of a probe into allegations of embezzlement amounting to Ksh1.3 billion. The commission suspects that a significant portion of these funds may have been siphoned through fraudulent contracts and irregular payments.

The case of the Ksh5.9 million payment to Priscillah has become a focal point. Documents indicate that the money was allocated for her to travel to the United States for official engagements. However, there are no records confirming that the trip ever happened. No flight details, accommodation bookings, or official meetings related to the trip have been found. The lack of documentation has fueled speculation that the funds were misappropriated.

This is not the first time Oparanya has been linked to questionable financial transactions. During his time as governor, six companies allegedly associated with him and his allies were awarded 60 county contracts worth over Ksh2.2 billion. Investigations suggest that these companies provided kickbacks to the former governor in exchange for lucrative deals. Among the firms implicated are AFBA Construction Company Limited, Western Cross Express Limited, Sabema International Limited, and Sesela Resources Limited. These firms allegedly received millions in payments for projects that remain incomplete or poorly executed.

Another issue under investigation is a land lease agreement between Oparanya and the Kakamega County government. The former governor is accused of leasing his private land to the county and receiving over Ksh56.7 million in payments. This transaction has been flagged as a clear case of conflict of interest, as it involved direct financial gain from public funds. The EACC is now seeking to establish whether the payments were justified or merely a scheme to divert county resources into Oparanya’s personal accounts.

In November 2023, the High Court granted the EACC orders to freeze assets valued at Ksh28.9 million belonging to Oparanya. Investigators believe that these assets were acquired using proceeds from corrupt dealings during his tenure. One of the key properties under scrutiny is an Ksh89 million estate in Karen, Nairobi, suspected to have been purchased with public funds. Authorities are now working to determine whether additional assets linked to the former governor should also be frozen as part of the ongoing investigation.

Financial mismanagement under Oparanya’s administration is evident in several stalled county projects. The Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital was meant to be a flagship development aimed at improving healthcare services in the region. Billions of shillings were allocated to the project, yet construction remains incomplete. Similarly, the Bukhungu Stadium expansion, another high-profile initiative, has faced multiple delays despite the massive budgetary allocations it received. These unfinished projects have raised serious concerns about the possible misappropriation of funds meant for public development.

Reactions to these allegations have been mixed. Some residents argue that Oparanya played a key role in the county’s development, citing improvements in roads, healthcare, and education infrastructure. However, his critics believe that the scale of financial irregularities under his leadership overshadows any progress made. Butere MP Tindi Mwale expressed disappointment over Oparanya’s arrest, describing him as a leader who significantly contributed to Kakamega’s growth. On the other hand, Senator Boni Khalwale, a long-time critic of the former governor, has maintained that Oparanya’s administration was riddled with corruption and that accountability must be enforced.

The case also raises broader concerns about transparency in county administrations. Misuse of public funds has become a common issue in many counties, with governors often accused of channeling resources into personal accounts. The lack of strong oversight mechanisms has allowed such practices to continue, with minimal consequences for those implicated. The EACC’s investigation into Oparanya is being closely watched as a test case for holding county officials accountable.

The focus now shifts to legal proceedings and the potential recovery of lost funds. The EACC has vowed to pursue all individuals involved in the scandal and ensure that stolen money is returned to the public. If found guilty, Oparanya and his associates could face severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and jail terms. The case has also sparked discussions on the need for stricter laws to prevent public funds from being misused in the future.

For citizens, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in governance. Holding leaders accountable for financial mismanagement is crucial in ensuring that public resources are used for their intended purposes. The ongoing investigation into Oparanya’s administration highlights the need for continuous oversight and transparency in county governments. As the legal process unfolds, the public will be keen to see whether justice is served and whether measures are put in place to prevent similar cases in the future.