Kenya official faces scrutiny for misusing public funds on Nigeria trip

Kisumu city manager, Abala Wanga, in Kenya is under fire for allegedly misusing public funds to finance a trip to Lagos, Nigeria, in July 2024, accompanied by a woman who fraudulently posed as a senior county official.

The trip, which involved clearance from multiple government bodies, including Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was reportedly funded by Kisumu County’s resources.

The woman, alleged to be Wanga’s romantic partner and an employee at a Kisumu-based bank, was falsely listed as the County’s Head of Project Management and Investments to justify her travel.

“This is a clear case of abuse of office and misappropriation of public resources,” a source close to the matter told reporters.

Official documents obtained show that the woman’s travel expenses, including airfare, accommodation, and stipends, were charged to Kisumu County.

The scandal deepened when it was revealed that companies linked to the woman—Tacoa Enterprises and Bajach Limited—secured contracts with Kisumu County, raising concerns of financial favoritism and corruption.

A whistleblower petition has been submitted to Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), urging a probe into the misuse of funds.

“This is not just about a trip; it is about systemic corruption that undermines public trust,” the petition reads.

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The Nigerian connection has also raised questions about the purpose of the visit. While official records describe it as a benchmarking trip, sources claim no tangible benefits have been reported for Kisumu County since the visit.

Despite mounting pressure, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has yet to address the allegations, sparking public outrage over a lack of accountability. Contractors owed payments by Kisumu County have criticized the leadership, citing the scandal as evidence of misplaced priorities.

Civil society groups have called for immediate action, stating that the alleged misuse of public resources contravenes Kenya’s anti-corruption laws and the ethical standards expected of public officials.

As investigations intensify, both Wanga and Kisumu County Secretary Hesbon Hongo, who approved the fraudulent clearance, face potential legal and administrative consequences.

The EACC has yet to announce a formal investigation, while public scrutiny over the Nigeria trip continues to grow.