Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has been released after being arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kakamega, while on his way to Bungoma from Kisumu.

Oparanya, who was grilled for about two hours at the Kakamega police headquarters before being let go, claims that the DCI detectives forced him to record a statement for causing chaos and destruction of property during Wednesday's anti-government protests in Busia.

"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," Oparanya told the press after his release.

"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."

Oparanya says that he was accused of using a State-issued vehicle during the alleged incident further noting that he declined to record the statement. His lawyer, Echesa, did so on his behalf. 

The former Governor added that the DCI officers failed to explain the reason behind his arrest.

"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," lawyer Echesa said.

"If they don't heed to our request, we will sue the DCI for harassing, intimidating and violating my client's rights."