Cooperatives and MSME Development Cabinet Secretary nominee Wycliffe Oparanya has revealed that his net worth Kes 600 million.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments for vetting on Sunday, the former governor revealed that his wealth consists mainly residential properties.
“It is mainly it is buildings and houses that I reside in.”
Similarly, he proposed a consolidation of the Hustler Fund, Uwezo Fund, Youth Fund, and funds for people living with disabilities as well as other similar ones, under one board of management to reduce their running costs.
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“That is the best way, but sometimes doing this is a political decision which you have to leave to the President to make,” Oparanya said.
On the Kes 1.3 billion graft scandal he has been linked to, he maintained innocence and alleged abuse of institutions like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to victimize some political figures.
“It is unfortunate because in the event they lose focus, they go for the squirrel yet the elephant is in the room,” he said.
Oparanya maintained that he is not aware of details about any ongoing probe against him and he has never been grilled on the case by any authorities.
“In August 2023 I was very active in demonstrations. I was called by someone and was told that the EACC was looking for me and I asked that person what being in demonstrations has to do with EACC.”
Nevertheless, Oparanya said if approved, he is ready to resign if found guilty of graft.
“If you give me this position and I am found guilty of stealing money from Kakamega County, I am ready to resign,” said Oparanya.
