Fernandes Barasa, Khalwale claim Oparanya looted Kakamega funds, ex-governor hits back
By Dennis Lumiti, September 16, 2025Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has found himself between a rock and a hard place following his endorsement of Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda for the governorship.
Speaking during the handing of a modern storey learning block to Ivakale Primary School in Shinyalu by area MP Fred Ikana on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Oparanya faced renewed political heat as Governor Fernandes Barasa and Senator Boni Khalwale closed ranks to accuse him of massive graft.
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The leaders claimed that Oparanya embezzled billions of shillings during his tenure as Kakamega Governor between 2013 and 2022, leaving behind incomplete and abandoned projects.
“Oparanya used his tenure as governor to loot funds meant for development in Kakamega. No single project that he initiated was ever completed,” Khalwale said.
He pointed at the Kakamega County Referral Hospital, Shamakhubu Hospital, Bukhungu Stadium and Madala Tea Factory as flagship projects that stalled despite gobbling up huge allocations.
Barasa joins attack
Barasa, who has fallen out with Oparanya after he sought to unseat him as ODM County Chairman, echoed Khalwale’s claims.
He alleged that Shamakhubu Hospital alone consumed Ksh. 391 million but remains a ghost structure.
“Shockingly, by July 2017, Ksh 195 million had already been paid out, yet all that stood at Shamakhubu was an incomplete open hall,” Barasa said.
He added, “By the time Oparanya exited office, Ksh. 162 million was unaccounted for. That money was looted. What remains at Shamakhubu is not a hospital but a ghost structure overrun by bats, mongooses, and snakes.”
Oparanya hits back
Oparanya dismissed the claims, linking the onslaught to his refusal to endorse Barasa or Khalwale for the 2027 governorship race.
“Barasa and Khalwale are merely making these allegations because they had separately expected my endorsement. If they have anything against me in regard to public funds, they know where to table it,” Oparanya said.
With by-elections in Malava and Kisa East Wards set for November 27, the political storm around Oparanya’s legacy is expected to intensify.