Wycliffe Oparanya's Biography: Age, career, politics, family, children & scandals

Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, a renowned Kenyan politician, has been nominated as the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs.
Oparanya has a long political career, serving as the governor of Kakamega County and leading the Council of Governors.
He has extensive experience in public service, having previously served as a minister and a senior audit manager at Earnest & Young.

Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, a notable Kenyan politician who led the Council of Governors from 2018 to 2021, is a significant player in Western Kenya's political landscape.

The politician who served as the governor of Kakamega County from 2013 to 2022, has been nominated for a new role in the government.

On Wednesday, July 24, President Ruto announced Oparanya’s appointment as the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs during a ceremony at State House.

If confirmed, Oparanya will succeed Simon Kiprono Chelugui in this position.

Wycliffe Oparanya Pulse Live Kenya

Wycliffe Oparanya's early life

Born to in Butere, in 1956, the 65-year-old attended Mabole Primary School before he proceeded to Butere Boys High school for his O-levels and on joined Kisii High School for his A-levels.

From there he joined the University of Nairobi in 1977-1980 for his Undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting). He joined the same institution in 1999-2000 for his Masters in Business Administration (Finance).

He is a continuing Ph.D student in Economics at the University of Dra es Salaam in Tanzania.

Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya Pulse Live Kenya

Wycliffe Oparanya's career

Oparanya who is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) K had an illustrious career in accounting and finance with over 23 years of experience, having worked for various companies including; Earnest & Young where he was a Senior Audit Manager from 1980-1995.

In 1995 he joined Kenya Aerotech Co. Limited where he served as the Secretary to the Board and later on Group Finance Controller.

Wycliffe Oparanya's debut into politics

Wycliffe Oparaya official threw himself into the political ring in 2002 when he won the Butere Parliamentary seat and went on to retain the seat in 2007 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

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

He was appointed Minister of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030, under the grand-coalition government.

After the promulgation of the new constitution in 2010, Oparanya vied for Governor of Kakamega with ODM and won. He successfully defended the seat again in 2017 with the same party.

Oparanya chaired the Council of Governors from 2018 to 2021. He serves as one of the deputy party leaders for Raila Odinga's ODM, alongside former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho.

The father of three also chairs the National Coalition Executive Council and leads the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party, which is headed by Raila Odinga.

Former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya with his two wives Carolyn and Priscilla Oparanya Pulse Live Kenya

Wycliffe Oparanya's family

The Kakamega Governor is married to two wives, Carolyn and Priscilla Oparanya and they are blessed with three children.

In addition to his wto wives, Oparanya has a girlfriend called Mary Biketi.

In a past interview, the former governor spoke about his approach to handling marital issues and his openness about his relationship with his new girlfriend.

Former Kakamega Governor and ODM Deputy Leader, Wycliffe Oparanya with Mary Biketi Former Kakamega Governor and ODM Deputy Leader, Wycliffe Oparanya with Mary Biketi Pulse Live Kenya

Oparamya's controversies

The fourth quarterly report of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), published in February 2024, revealed that millions of public funds were misappropriated in suspected scams, with various county officials under investigation.

Among them is former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who allegedly received kickbacks from six companies awarded 60 contracts worth over Sh2.2 billion. The report also noteed a conflict of interest, as Oparanya leased his land to the county government, receiving Sh56,740,325.

On October 12, 2023, the EACC recommended charges against Oparanya, his spouse, county officials, and company directors for corruption, conflict of interest, abuse of office, and money laundering.

Former Kakamega Governor and ODM Deputy Leader, Wycliffe Oparanya with Mary Biketi Former Kakamega Governor and ODM Deputy Leader, Wycliffe Oparanya with Mary Biketi Pulse Live Kenya

The ODPP agreed with these recommendations on December 18, 2023. Oparanya has since obtained a stay order to prevent his arrest until his court petition is resolved.