Khalwale rejects Oparanya nominees

By Francis Ontomwa

Kakamega, Kenya: Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has sharply differed with Governor Wycliffe Oparanya over nominees of County Executive Committee.

Khalwale criticised the former Planning minister for nominating his allies and poll losers, insisting that it will not be business as usual.

Speaking in Kakamega Thursday, the former Ikolomani legislator questioned Oparanya’s integrity, saying he would rally County Assembly Members to reject the nominees.

“What Oparanya did is to reward his cronies. This is very unfortunate of a leader. His actions are in serious contravention of the Constitution,” said Khalwale.

Low key

On Tuesday, Oparanya released names of County Executive Committee and County Public Service Board members in a low-key event. County representatives snubbed the event.

Several leaders have opposed the list of nominees. Ford Kenya leaders led by Hamisi Shivachi said the list was not inclusive.

“We regret that this can happen. As Ford Kenya, we are contesting the list of nominees,” Shivachi told The Standard.

Bad footing

Khalwale said Oparanya had defied real intentions of devolution.

“This is not what the Constitution envisaged of devolution. The governor has made wrong interpretation of provisions of the Constitution. As leaders from the county, we are not going to allow this to happen,” observed Khalwale.

But Oparanya defended his nominees, terming them able servants. Efforts to get further comments from the governor were futile, as he did not pick our calls.

Bishop Beneah Salala of Anglican Church of Kenya Mumias diocese urged Oparanya to ensure that he restores confidence in the people by listening to voices of reason.