By James Okoth
Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga on Monday secured temporary reprieve after the Anti-Corruption Court in Milimani allowed his urgent application challenging the manner in which the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had summoned him over graft-related charges.
In a ruling delivered by Senior Principal Magistrate Celesa Asis Okore, the court noted that Wanga had not been properly served with summons to appear before the Commission for questioning and recording of statements, contrary to fair procedure.
The decision came after Wanga personally appeared before the court, accompanied by his lawyer, to affirm his availability and compliance. His application, filed under a Certificate of Urgency on November 17, 2025, sought to halt any adverse action arising from alleged non-attendance before the anti-graft body.
Magistrate Okore observed that the photographic printouts and documents annexed to Wanga’s affidavit offered reasonable explanations for his whereabouts during the days in question.
“It appears to this court that the applicant was not properly served with the summons to appear before the EACC,” the magistrate ruled.
“The accused may not have been aware of the processes that may have taken place before Court 4 in ACC No. 63 of 2025 and ACC No. 64 of 2025, where charges had already been registered for his appearance.” The court further noted.
In what amounts to a procedural lifeline, the court granted Wanga a personal bond of Kshs. 500,000 pending his formal appearance before Court No. 4 on November 25, 2025, where he is expected to explain himself 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 stated.
The matter will be mentioned on November 25, 2025, for confirmation of compliance and closure of the miscellaneous file.
The ruling follows weeks of friction between Wanga and the anti-corruption watchdog, which had reportedly issued him with multiple summons over alleged abuse of office and irregular employment decisions at Kisumu City Hall.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that the EACC has been pursuing leads into procurement irregularities and conflict of interest claims tied to the city manager’s office, allegations Wanga has vehemently denied.
Wanga, who recorded statements with police earlier this month, insists the investigations are politically instigated and that due process has been flouted in the rush to charge him.
The court’s directive now effectively shields him from immediate arrest or coercive action until he presents himself before the trial magistrate next week.
