Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga has drawn a firm line in the sand, filing a high-stakes defamation suit against former Member of County Assembly Bob Ndolo over what the court describes as persistent and vicious online smears.
Now, Ndolo is turning to the public for financial rescue, appealing for donations to cover mounting legal bills in the Kisumu High Court battle.
The case, filed by Wanga through lawyer Felgona Atieno Omondi before Justice Joe M. Omido, accuses Ndolo of waging a “malicious rampage” on Facebook under his profile “Bob Ndolo.” These posts, according to court papers, have targeted Wanga’s professional and personal life, even touching on separate ongoing judicial matters and risking prejudice to his right to a fair trial.
Omondi told the court: “Abala has suffered great turmoil… The publications have affected the Applicant’s professional life as City Manager of Kisumu City as his subordinates as well as the residents of Kisumu have been exposed to such publication.”
The judge has already ordered Ndolo to cease the attacks, with an inter partes hearing set for March 19, 2026. Disobedience could trigger penal consequences.
Michael Abala Wanga — a distinguished public servant, governance expert, and driving force behind Kisumu’s remarkable urban renaissance — refuses to let baseless claims derail his mission. With an MBA from Strathmore University Business School and an LLB from Kampala International University, Wanga has spent over two decades in public service. He previously served as CEO of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) and inaugural Secretary/CEO of the Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation (KLDC), and is now spearheading the city’s transformation into a world-class smart city.
Under his leadership, Kisumu is implementing the ambitious Kisumu City Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan (LPLUDP), rolling out affordable housing, upgrading walkways and storm drainage through projects like the Kisumu Triangle, and earning national acclaim as Kenya’s cleanest city.
Wanga continues to focus undeterred on service delivery, sustainable mobility, and turning Kisumu into a model of modern urban governance.
In contrast, Ndolo — founder of the Public Property Protection group and former Kisumu MCA — has publicly pleaded for help, admitting the defamation suit has become a heavy financial burden. He urged supporters via social media:
“While it appears that powerful interests may be supporting the City Manager, the only strength I rely on is the collective voice and support of the residents of Kisumu County… Should any friend of Kisumu City wish to support this legal process… you may contribute through the pay bill number in any small way possible.”
The appeal has sparked lively debate across Kisumu’s political and civic circles about accountability, public discourse, and the true cost of reckless online allegations.
Legal experts note that defamation cases in Kenya often carry steep penalties and damages when false statements harm reputations — especially those of public officers working tirelessly for their communities.
As the March 19 hearing approaches, all eyes in Kisumu remain on the outcome. One thing is clear: Michael Abala Wanga stands resolute, prioritizing truth, justice, and the continued progress of the city he serves with distinction.
Kisumu residents and well-wishers can follow developments on official channels as this landmark case unfolds.
