Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga on Monday scored a significant legal win after the Anti-Corruption Court in Milimani halted immediate action by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over what the court termed procedurally flawed summons.
Senior Principal Magistrate Celesa Asis Okore ruled that Wanga had not been properly served with summons directing him to appear before EACC detectives for questioning and statement recording in connection with alleged graft activities at Kisumu City Hall.
In her detailed ruling, Magistrate Okore said the documents, photographic evidence, and explanations attached to Wanga’s urgent application “offered reasonable explanations for his whereabouts during the material dates.”
“It appears to this court that the applicant was not properly served with the summons to appear before the EACC,” she stated, adding that Wanga might have been unaware of proceedings in ACC No. 63 of 2025 and ACC No. 64 of 2025, where charges had been registered.
The Kisumu City Manager personally appeared before the court alongside his lawyer, affirming his willingness to cooperate and denying any attempt to evade investigators. The application, filed under a Certificate of Urgency, sought protection from adverse action linked to alleged non-appearance.
In a move seen as a procedural lifeline, the court granted Wanga a personal bond of Kshs 500,000, ordering him to present himself before Court No. 4 on November 25, 2025, where he is expected to give formal explanations and take plea.
“It is only fair and just to grant the applicant a chance to appear before the Honourable Magistrate presiding over Court No. 4 to explain himself and be granted a chance to be heard before any substantial orders can be made,” the ruling read.
The matter will be mentioned on November 25, 2025, for confirmation of compliance and closure of the miscellaneous file.
The ruling comes amid weeks of friction between Wanga and the EACC, which reportedly issued him several summons tied to allegations of:
Abuse of office
Irregular employment and promotions at City Hall
Procurement irregularities
Conflict of interest claims
Sources familiar with the investigations say detectives have been probing contracts and staffing decisions within Wanga’s office. However, the city manager has strongly denied the allegations, terming the probe politically-motivated and accusing the Commission of flouting due process.
He previously recorded statements with police, insisting he has “nothing to hide.”
The court’s decision effectively protects Wanga from arrest or coercive action until he formally appears before the trial magistrate next week. Legal analysts say the reprieve buys him time, but the real test will come during the November 25 appearance.
As the legal drama unfolds, the case adds to growing scrutiny over governance and accountability at Kisumu City Hall, with residents keenly watching how the high-stakes anti-graft showdown will proceed.
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