Oparanya to remain chair of bloc

Council of Governors Chairman Wycliff Oparanya.

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya will continue serving at the helm of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB).

According to the governor, his earlier remarks that he was contemplating exiting LREB should not be taken seriously. “I am not relinquishing my position as LREB chairman as earlier reported, I said that on a light note,” he said yesterday.

The county chief said there should be no controversy on the matter, especially after the bloc lost Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso who was the vice chairperson.

The absence of the two could have dealt LREB a major blow given that they have been instrumental in pushing for the actualisation of the bloc’s goals.

The group plans to set a regional bank to offer locals affordable loans to start businesses.

It is against this backdrop that member counties, including Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho and Bomet, were asked each to contribute Sh200 million for establishment of the bank.

Busia ward reps had asked Oparanya not to relinquish the critical position.