The plea taking of Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court has been postponed after the court was informed that the accused is currently hospitalized and undergoing surgery.
Through his legal team, Steve Ogola, the court heard that Wanga was admitted to Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu on the 3rd of this month. Medical documents confirming his condition were presented before the court, with the defense stating that his recovery timeline remains uncertain and seeking more time before he can physically appear for a plea.
Lawyer Ogola requested a 30-day adjournment, arguing that Wanga’s medical condition had made it impossible for him to attend court. They also asked that his existing bond terms remain in force during his absence.
However, the prosecution opposed the lengthy adjournment, telling the court they had only just been supplied with the medical documents and had not yet verified their authenticity. The state instead sought two weeks to scrutinize the medical records before further directions could be issued.
In response, the court noted that the matter was coming up mainly to confirm plea taking and that the medical documents required examination.
Senior Principal Magistrate Celesa Asis Okore directed that the prosecution be given time to verify the documents and stated that within two weeks there should be a clearer indication of when Wanga would be fit to take a plea.
The court further ordered the defense to file a comprehensive medical report on Wanga’s condition. The matter will be mentioned on March 2 for further directions before the trial court.
Wanga is expected to face charges linked to investigations into allegations that he fraudulently facilitated the travel of Conslate Achieng to Nigeria for the Clean Air Forum despite her not being an employee of the Kisumu County government.
Investigators from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission are also probing alleged irregularities surrounding his recruitment as acting Kisumu City Manager by the Kisumu County Public Service Board in 2020.
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