The plea-taking of Kisumu City manager Abala Wanga was on Friday deferred for a second time after he failed to appear in court, citing illness.
Wanga was expected to take plea before Principal Magistrate Selesa Okore, but his advocates informed the court that he had fallen ill on February 3 and was admitted to hospital.
“I have spoken to the accused person and he has told me he is going to the theater this morning. I pray we be given 30 days with the hope he will have recovered,” his defence counsel said. A medical report was presented in court to support the claim.
The prosecution did not immediately oppose the explanation but requested time to verify the authenticity of the documents presented by the defence.
“In the circumstances, four weeks looks reasonable,” defence counsel Steve Ogolla submitted.
He said they had written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) seeking a review of the charges, with prosecutors previously requesting more time to finalise the process. The prosecution said the matter awaits directions from the ODPP, after which the court will be addressed.
“The same is pending for directions from ODPP. Once direction is given, I will come and address the court on the same,” the prosecution counsel stated.
This latest postponement adds to earlier delays in the matter, which was initially scheduled for plea-taking on December 19, 2025. That appearance did not proceed after the defence sought a review of the charges by the ODPP.
Ogolla informed the court that Wanga had appeared before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on November 26 last year as directed but was not given an opportunity to record a statement under inquiry.
Wanga faces several allegations, including forgery, alteration of official documents, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.
The prosecution states that he allegedly tampered with documents, including a letter dated June 10, 2024, which purported to invite him to the Clean Air Forum in Lagos, Nigeria.
The letter was reportedly used to secure facilitation payments from the Kisumu government.
The DPP further alleges that Wanga presented a forged invitation letter, reportedly originating from the University of Lagos, to facilitate receipt of Sh283,402 and acquired Sh8.7 million in public funds through fraudulent means.
He is also alleged to have presented a forged Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) purportedly issued by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
A summons to the EACC and consequent court process began following an investigation carried out by the commission. In March last year, EACC completed its investigations into allegations surrounding Wanga and forwarded the file to the DPP for further action.
In her ruling, Principal Magistrate Okore allowed the requests by both parties, granting time for verification of the medical report and recovery.
The court also extended Wanga’s pre-bail bond conditions and scheduled the matter for mention on March 2, 2026, when further directions will be issued.
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