Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has said he is not shaken by the renewed corruption case against him, insisting that his ten years in office left a visible mark of development in the county.
Speaking in Kakamega after the High Court directed that the graft charges be revisited, Oparanya declared that he has nothing to hide.
He told residents that those accusing him should look at the projects he initiated instead of spreading claims meant to damage his name.
“I am not afraid of anything. Let them bring the evidence they have.
What matters to me is that Kakamega made progress during my tenure,” he said.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has accused the former governor of irregularly awarding contracts and benefiting from millions of shillings in kickbacks.
The Director of Public Prosecutions had initially withdrawn the case, but the High Court ruled that the move was unconstitutional and ordered that the matter be heard again.
Oparanya, who served as the first governor of Kakamega under the 2010 Constitution, pointed to infrastructure and social programs as proof of his legacy.
He highlighted county hospitals, roads, and schools as part of his achievements, arguing that resources were put to use for the benefit of the people.
His critics, including current county leaders, claim that some flagship projects such as the Bukhungu Stadium and certain health facilities remain incomplete despite large sums being spent.
They accuse him of presiding over stalled investments that drained county coffers.
In response, Oparanya maintained that development is a process and insisted that many projects require successive administrations to complete.
He challenged his successors to build on what was started rather than focusing on blame.
The unfolding case has placed him at the center of national debate on corruption and leadership accountability.
For his supporters, Oparanya remains a symbol of progress, while opponents view the investigation as an opportunity to expose misuse of public funds.
As the legal battle continues, the former governor has vowed to defend his record both in court and in the public arena.
“If anyone believes money was lost, let the truth be tested in court. What I know is that Kakamega is not where it was when I took office,” he said.
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