Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga Misses Court Again as Fraud Case Stalls
Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga on Friday failed to appear before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court for plea-taking for the second time, further delaying a case involving alleged forgery and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.
Wanga was expected to take plea before Principal Magistrate Selesa Okore. However, he did not attend court, with his lawyers informing the court that he was unwell and hospitalised in Kisumu.
As a result, the absence stalled proceedings once again. Notably, the matter had already been deferred on December 19, 2025, after the defence sought a review of the charges by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Court Told City Manager Was Hospitalised
Through his advocate, Wanga told the court that he fell ill on February 3, 2026, and was admitted to hospital. A medical report was presented to support the claim.
Meanwhile, prosecutors did not immediately dispute the illness. Instead, they asked the court for time to verify the authenticity of the medical documents before plea-taking could proceed.
The prosecution noted that the case had already faced delays. Accordingly, it urged the court to ensure the matter proceeds without further obstruction.
Charges Approved After EACC Investigations
The DPP approved the charges in November 2025, following investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
According to investigators, Wanga allegedly fraudulently obtained about Sh8.7 million in salaries and allowances from the Kisumu County Government. This was allegedly done after he secured his appointment using forged academic and clearance documents.
Alleged Forged Academic Certificates
The EACC claims that Wanga presented a KCSE certificate showing a C+ grade. This grade qualified him for university admission.
However, records from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) allegedly show that he attained a D+.
Investigators further allege that he altered his name and grades to meet university entry requirements. In addition, the anti-graft agency claims he forged a KCPE certificate, a police clearance certificate, and a self-declaration form.
Prior Fraud Conviction Allegedly Concealed
In the self-declaration form, Wanga is accused of stating that he had no criminal record.
According to the prosecution, this was false. Investigators allege that he had previously been convicted of fraud at the Kiambu Law Courts, a fact he allegedly concealed to access public office.
Nigeria Trip Allowances Under Scrutiny
Separately, Wanga is accused of tampering with an invitation letter for a Clean Air Forum held in Lagos, Nigeria.
The prosecution alleges that the altered document was used to irregularly claim allowances amounting to about Sh280,000. Further, the same document allegedly facilitated the travel of Conslate Achieng, who was not a Kisumu County Government employee.
As a result, Wanga faces additional counts, including forgery, uttering a false document, and fraudulent acquisition of public property.
Court Grants Time to Verify Medical Report
During Friday’s session, the EACC requested two weeks to verify the medical documents presented by the defence.
On the other hand, Wanga’s lawyers asked for a four-week adjournment to allow him time to recover and attend court in person.
Magistrate Selesa Okore allowed both requests. Consequently, she extended Wanga’s pre-bail bond terms and directed that the matter be mentioned on March 2, 2026, for further directions.
Case Still Pending
The case against Abala Wanga remains pending as investigators complete verification of the medical documents.
Ultimately, the court is expected to proceed with plea-taking once the verification process is concluded. The matter continues to attract public interest due to the seriousness of the allegations and Wanga’s senior position in county government.
