Thursday, December 5, 2024 - Claims of corruption, fraud, and unethical conduct have engulfed Kisumu County, centering on City Manager Abala Wanga and his controversial trip to Lagos, Nigeria, in July 2024.
The scandal involves the misuse of public resources, fraudulent representation, and inappropriate personal relationships which has sparked public outrage and
calls for investigations.
At the heart of the allegations is the claim that Kisumu City Manager Abala
Wanga travelled to Lagos accompanied by a lady who fraudulently posed as the
City of Kisumu’s Head of Project Management and Investments to secure clearance
for the trip.
The lady in question is alleged to be a senior staff member at a bank in Kisumu
and was seen meeting Wanga at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport prior to
their departure to Nigeria.
She is also reportedly involved in business dealings with the Kisumu County
Government through companies linked to her, including Tacoa Enterprises and
Bajach Limited.
Official documents under the Kisumu County Government letterhead falsely
designated her as an official, facilitating her visa approval, travel and
allowances.
It is alleged that her expenses, including airfare and stipends, were entirely
covered by public funds.
The clearance process for her travel involved multiple government bodies,
including the Department of Devolution and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kisumu County Secretary Hesbon Hongo who reportedly signed off on her clearance
despite knowing she was not a county employee is also implicated in the
scandal.
Further scrutiny reveals that the companies linked to the lady in question have
reportedly benefited from county contracts, sparking concerns about potential
favouritism and financial impropriety tied to her alleged relationship with the
Kisumu City Manager.
The bank where she is employed has also been implicated in the scandal, with
allegations of unethical conduct involving senior staff.
A petition has been submitted to the bank's leadership, urging an internal
investigation into claims that its employee engaged in fraudulent activities,
including misrepresentation and misuse of public resources, under the pretense
of official duties.
The petition was copied to both EACC and DCI.
The scandal has exposed glaring gaps in governance and accountability within
Kisumu County.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Governor Anyang Nyong’o, who also
serves as the current ODM Party Leader, has remained silent.
No disciplinary action has been taken against Abala Wanga or other implicated
officials.
The scandal comes at a time when contractors in Kisumu County remain unpaid for
their services, yet resources appear to be available for questionable
activities.
Observers note that the county’s leadership has failed to prioritize
accountability, with public funds allegedly being diverted to finance personal
relationships and unauthorized travel.
The allegations against Wanga and Kisumu County officials contravene several
laws, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act which prohibits the misuse
of public resources and fraudulent representation.
Chapter Six of the Kenyan Constitution, which emphasizes integrity,
transparency, and selfless service in public office, has also been blatantly
violated.
The petition to the EACC and DCI calls for a thorough investigation into:
1. The fraudulent clearance of an individual as a Kisumu County official.
2. The misuse of public funds to cover travel expenses.
3. The involvement of Kisumu County Secretary Hesbon Hongo and other officials
in facilitating the fraud.
4. The business dealings between the individual's companies and the Kisumu
County Government.
Via Cyprian Nyakundi.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
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