Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga Under Fire: Allegations of Fake Academic Credentials and Abuse of Office Shake County Leadership

Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga is facing serious allegations that threaten his credibility and leadership. A petition has been filed accusing him of using fake academic credentials to secure his position. Additionally, he has been accused of abusing his office for personal gain, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in Kisumu’s leadership.

Questions about Wanga’s academic qualifications have circulated for some time. His official profile states that he holds an MBA from Strathmore University Business School and an LLB from Kampala International University. However, critics argue that these qualifications have not been properly verified. The petition against him demands a thorough investigation into the authenticity of his degrees. If these claims are true, it could mean that Wanga obtained his position under false pretenses, which would make his continued tenure in office untenable.

The allegations do not stop at his academic background. Wanga has also been accused of misusing public resources for his personal benefit. In December 2024, reports surfaced that he used county funds to finance a trip to Lagos, Nigeria. During this trip, he was accompanied by a woman who was falsely presented as the Head of Project Management and Investments for Kisumu City. According to sources, this woman was not a city official but a senior staff member at a Kisumu-based bank. Further reports suggest that she had registered several companies that were awarded county tenders, raising suspicions of favoritism and possible corruption.

Wanga’s leadership has also faced strong opposition from the business community in Kisumu. In February 2024, traders in the city staged protests demanding his removal from office. The traders accused him of making unilateral decisions that negatively impacted their businesses. One of the main points of contention was his handling of the city’s reorganization plans. Many traders claimed that demolitions of business structures were carried out without proper consultation. These actions disrupted livelihoods and fueled anger among those who felt sidelined by the county government’s policies. The traders vowed to continue their demonstrations until Wanga was removed from office, signaling a growing crisis in Kisumu’s governance.

This is not the first time Wanga has been involved in legal troubles. In 2019, he was convicted by a Kiambu court for forging the signature of former Medical Services Permanent Secretary Mary Ngari. The case involved an attempt to defraud the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologist Board of over Ksh400,000. However, Wanga successfully appealed the conviction. The High Court overturned the decision, ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove that he intended to deceive anyone. While the conviction was quashed, the case left questions about Wanga’s past conduct and whether he was fit to hold a high-ranking government position.

The allegations against Wanga have raised serious concerns about the integrity of Kisumu’s leadership. If an official responsible for running a city is accused of forging documents, misusing public funds, and engaging in questionable business dealings, what does that say about the governance structures in place? These are questions that the people of Kisumu must grapple with. Public confidence in leadership is built on trust, and cases like these make it difficult for residents to believe that their interests are being prioritized.

The petition against Wanga is now before relevant authorities, who must decide how to proceed. Investigations into his academic credentials and financial dealings will determine whether he stays in office or is removed. If the claims are proven true, it would not only affect Wanga but also expose flaws in the recruitment process for senior government officials. It would suggest that loopholes exist, allowing unqualified individuals to hold powerful positions at the expense of public trust.

As the controversy unfolds, Kisumu residents and stakeholders will be watching closely. They want answers. They want accountability. Most importantly, they want leaders who genuinely serve the people rather than their own interests. If Wanga is innocent, he should provide verifiable evidence to clear his name. If not, the law must take its course.

Leadership should be built on integrity, transparency, and accountability. Kisumu’s future depends on these principles being upheld. The people deserve nothing less.