This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
Abala Wanga, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), has resigned from his position, effective immediately. Wanga tendered his resignation on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, to the bloc's Chairman, Wycliffe Oparanya, just two weeks after the death of the bloc's Vice Chairperson, Joyce Laboso.
According to Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity, once convicted, one cannot legally hold office. Wanga was convicted of a six-month jail term or a fine of Sh400,000 in a protracted case where he and another suspect were accused of forging the letterhead of a former Health PS, Mary Ngare, to indulge in illicit business. The events occurred when Wanga was the CEO of Kenya Medical Laboratories.
Wanga told The Standard that he would now proceed to a one-month leave pending official handing over from the LREB secretariat. He served in the secretariat for a period of two years before his conviction. Wanga expressed gratitude to the LREB fraternity for giving him an opportunity to serve and cooperate to pass bills to legitimize the bloc's operations.
During his tenure, at least eight out of the fourteen counties that form LREB passed a bill to legitimize the operations of the regional bloc. These counties include Kisumu, Kakamega, Kisii, Nyamira, Busia, Migori, Homabay, Vihiga, and Siaya.
Wanga's resignation comes as a blow to the LREB, which has been working to legitimize its operations. The bloc's Chairman, Wycliffe Oparanya, is expected to take over the CEO position temporarily until a new CEO is appointed.
