Likuyani Digest | Ground Reality
Court Nullifies DPP’s Withdrawal of Oparanya Graft Case
The High Court has ruled that the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to withdraw corruption charges against Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya was illegal and unconstitutional.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Benjamin Musyoki, the court found that the DPP’s move to terminate the case was irregular, against the law, and violated the Constitution.
The charges stem from Oparanya’s time as Governor of Kakamega. He was accused of irregularly receiving over KSh 56.7 million from private companies linked to county contracts. Part of the money was allegedly used to acquire property in Karen, Nairobi. The recommended offences included conflict of interest, abuse of office, conspiracy to commit corruption, and money laundering.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had investigated the matter and recommended prosecution. Although the DPP initially agreed to charge Oparanya, the office later reversed the decision in July 2024 after receiving submissions from his lawyers — without properly consulting the EACC.
An activist later challenged the withdrawal in court. The judge faulted the DPP for overstepping its mandate and failing to follow constitutional guidelines.
Following the ruling, civil society groups have called for Oparanya’s arrest, the filing of fresh charges based on the EACC investigation, and better coordination between the DPP and EACC.
Note: In early 2026, another court set aside the September 2025 judgment on procedural grounds (service of the petition) and ordered a fresh hearing. The core issues surrounding the case remain under public and legal scrutiny.
Questions on the ground:
Will the DPP now reinstate the charges against Oparanya?
How will this case affect Oparanya’s political standing in Kakamega and nationally?
What does this mean for accountability of former governors?
Stay informed. Stay ahead.
#LikuyaniDigest #GroundReality #Oparanya #Corruption #EACC
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