DCI forwards incitement case against CoG Chair Wycliffe Oparanya to DPP

DCI forwards case against CoG chair Oparanya to DPP

Mark Mwithaga

January 23, 2019 11:05 AM

Action by Governor Oparanya leads to transfer of case

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya during a past event

DCI Detectives on Tuesday stated that a case against new Council of Governors chair Wycliffe Oparanya would be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution.

Oparanya and Mahiakhalo ward representative Joab Mwamto were being investigated over a possible case of incitement that might have led to a trader’s building being burned to the ground in March 2018, shortly after a public address by the leaders.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya during a past interview ece-auto-gen

The two had gone to address angry residents over the death of a nine-year-old girl who had gone missing in that month and her body found in a tank near the trader’s compound.

The officers had summoned Oparanya and the MCA on January 18 for questioning over the connection to the incident.

Mwamto reported to the DCI offices where he denied the incitement claims and argued that he had instead tried to calm the angry mob.

The Kakamega governor, however, failed to appear for his meeting with the detectives on claims that he had travelled to Nairobi.

Oparanya's election opposed

Governors on January 14 elected the tough Oparanya as the head of the CoG while Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria was elected as the new Vice Chairperson.

Oparanya and Iria had replaced Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru respectively.

Governor Josphat Nanok hands over the instruments of power shortly after Governor oparanya was elected CoG chair (Twitter) Pulse Live Kenya

Other leaders who had shown interest in the taking over the mantle from Nanok were Ms Waiguru, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, Anyang' Nyong'o of Kisumu and Uasin Gishu's Jackson Mandago.

The election of the Kakamega county boss was however opposed by Kwale Governor Salim Muvurya.

Mvurya had claimed that an agreement was made in 2017 during a meeting in Kwale County to have him take over the leadership position which he at one instant had served.

Mark Mwithaga