By Andrew Kariuki

A Nairobi court has withdrawn criminal charges against Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga, effectively bringing the case against him to a close.

The decision followed an application by the prosecution to discontinue the case under Section 87A of the Criminal Procedure Code.

In its submissions, the prosecution told the court that the move was made under the authority of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), as provided for under Article 157 of the Constitution, which grants the office powers to institute and terminate criminal proceedings.

The court heard that the defence had earlier sought a review of the charges, a process that has been ongoing since 2025. The prosecution also indicated that Wanga had undertaken to settle outstanding obligations owed to the Kisumu County Government, a factor that informed the decision to withdraw the case.

In allowing the application, the magistrate said the court had considered the nature of the charges as well as submissions from both sides.

“I shall allow the prosecution’s application to withdraw the charges,” the court ruled.

Following the ruling, Wanga was discharged.

The charges, which had been approved by the DPP in November 2025 after investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), accused Wanga of fraudulently obtaining approximately KSh8.7 million in salaries and allowances.

He had allegedly secured his appointment as City Manager using forged academic and clearance documents.