Wycliffe Oparanya, the nominee for the Cabinet Secretary position in Cooperatives and MSME Development, declared a net worth of Ksh. 600 million during his vetting session before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments at County Hall on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Oparanya attributed his wealth primarily to residential properties.
In his presentation, Oparanya revealed that his substantial assets consist mainly of buildings and houses he resides in.
He also proposed the consolidation of various government funds, including the Hustler Fund, Uwezo Fund, Youth Fund, and funds for people living with disabilities, under a single board of management.
This, he argued, would streamline operations and reduce running costs.
“Consolidating these funds could be beneficial, but such a move often requires a political decision, which is ultimately up to the President,” Oparanya explained.
He emphasized the need for public sensitization to explain the rationale behind this potential consolidation.
Addressing the ongoing Ksh. 1.3 billion graft scandal linked to his tenure as Kakamega Governor, Oparanya denied any wrongdoing and criticized the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for what he described as a politically motivated investigation.
“It is unfortunate that the focus is on minor issues while ignoring more significant problems,” he said.
Oparanya stated that he was unaware of the specifics of the ongoing probe and has never been interrogated by authorities. He claimed that his involvement in demonstrations in August 2023 was used as a pretext for the investigation.
“If I am appointed and subsequently found guilty of corruption, I am prepared to resign,” Oparanya assured the committee.
