High Court Orders EACC to Return Oparanya’s Confiscated Assets

The High Court has issued a directive to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to return assets confiscated from former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, which includes Sh2 million in cash, documents, computers, and mobile phones. Oparanya filed an application in court, arguing that the EACC detectives exceeded their authority during a raid on his residence.

Oparanya claimed that the search warrant did not grant the officers the right to seize and remove mobile phones and computers belonging to individuals who were not involved in the ongoing legal proceedings. He further asserted that the EACC officers’ actions went beyond the scope of the court orders when they confiscated phones belonging to his family members and staff.

According to Oparanya, the EACC’s actions reflected a lack of clarity about the specific items required for their investigation, leading them to seize anything in the hope of finding evidence. Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyuki intervened by ordering the prosecution and Oparanya’s legal counsel to collaborate in identifying essential documents necessary for the case, while the remaining items would be returned to the former governor.

Oparanya had previously been arrested in July, along with his wives, in connection with the alleged embezzlement of Sh1.3 billion during his tenure as county governor. Despite the charges, Oparanya vehemently denied any involvement in corrupt practices, suggesting that he was being targeted due to his affiliation with Azimio leader Raila Odinga. The legal proceedings surrounding Oparanya’s case have garnered significant attention, highlighting issues related to the conduct of anti-corruption agencies and the complexities of high-profile corruption allegations in Kenya’s political landscape.