Kisii Governor Simba Arati has implored upon President William Ruto to tighten the fight against corruption, remarks that comes a day after the ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya was arrested and grilled over alleged embezzled funds during his tenure as governor.
Oparanya was arrested by DCI officers alongside his wives, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) coming forward to said the former Kakamega governor was grilled over alleged misappropriation of Sh1.3 Billion.
Speaking during President Ruto’s visit to his county on Friday, Arati urged Ruto to crack the whip and support counties in fighting graft, arguing that if the president does not step in during his tenure, such acts will be uncontrollable once he leaves office.
“Your Excellency, we are ready to work with you. Elections will be after five years, and truth be told that you are the pillar of peace of this country.”
“Your Excellency, you have started very well, but be very cautions that some of those cheering on you want protection after blundering public resources. As our president, we want to plead with you, please act because if you do not stop graft at this time, it will be the same after you leave office.”
“I am trying my best here in Kisii and I went to urge leaders in our county, if we crack the whip, do not go to the president saying we are after them. A thief is a thief whether in UDA or ODM. We are going to deal with them,” said the ODM governor.
Arati’s remarks comes few hours after a section of leaders allied to the Azimio wing claimed that Oparanya’s arrest was politically motivated and only made to hype Ruto’s anticipated tour in Western Region.
by: Ryndy