Oparanya reveals how he was arrested 'commando style'

By Peter Ochieng

Former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya on Thursday night revealed how he was arrested 'commando style' by police officers.

The ODM deputy party leader was on his way from Kisumu to Bungoma, when his vehicle was waylaid, few kilometers to Kakamega town.

He was then taken to Kakamega for questioning by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers, before being released about two hours later.

"A friend of mine from Bungoma had invited me for dinner. When I was heading there my vehicle was waylaid by three cars whose occupants were armed," the ex county chief told the press after being set free.

"All of them pointed their guns towards me. They then pulled my driver from the vehicle which they then commandeered. One of them said he was a CID officer and that I was required for questioning."

The leader who was accused of planning violent demos in Busia County on Wednesday, and using a State-issued vehicle during the protests said he declined to record a statement.

His lawyer did it on his behalf. The vehicle was impounded.

"My client was arrested like he was a terrorist. The regional DCI boss has failed to explain why my client was arrested. They have even impounded Oparanya's vehicle; we are giving them 24 hours to return the vehicle because he is entitled to it," said the advocate.

Oparanya served as Kakamega governor for two terms, from 2013 to 2022.

He is among the key figures in Azimio's anti-government protests.

His arrest, grilling and release came a few hours after Mavoko MP Patrick Makau underwent the same process.