Governor Oparanya risks losing his seat over accountability

Embattled Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya risks losing his gubernatorial seat if he is convicted for disobeying Senate summons on audit queries over misappropriation of funds.

The conviction carries a year's jail term. This comes after the Senate approved a motion allowing the Senate clerk to record statements with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on the matter, as directed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko.

Mr Oparanya is on the receiving end for failing to honour invites and summons to appear before the Public Accounts Committee to answer queries arising from the audit report of his county's finances for the 2013-2014 financial year.

After failing to honour the summons, the Boni Khalwale-led committee wrote to the DPP seeking his assistance to ensure the governor is brought to account.

Thursday, the Senate unanimously approved the motion moved by Dr Khalwale to permit the clerks to record statements to be used in arresting the defiant governor.

"The Senate resolves to grant special leave to the Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye, the officer who served the summons and any other officer as may be required, to record statements on this matter for the purposes of this matter," said temporary speaker Senator Stephen Sang (Nandi).

Khalwale said his committee has the mandate to exercise oversight on money given to counties.