Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has raised concerns over the ongoing demolitions in Luanda town to pave the way for the planned dualling of the Kisumu–Busia highway.
In a statement on Sunday, September 14, he accused the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) of rushing and poorly coordinating the exercise.
Osotsi acknowledged that development projects are welcome, but insisted they must be carried out in a way that protects the interests of residents.
"I want to make it clear that while we welcome development, it must come through the proper processes. The ongoing demolitions in Luanda to pave the way for the dualling of the Kisumu–Busia road should be carried out in a humane manner and without discrimination," he said.
Osotsi noted that the move to demolish the structures has raised eyebrows because of apparent miscommunication between KeNHA’s national and regional offices.
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"When I contacted the KeNHA national office, they told me they were not aware of these demolitions. However, the regional office in Kisumu is aware of them. This raises the question; what is the hurry in demolishing structures when the government has not yet secured the loan from the African Development Bank to fund the planned construction?" he posed.
Osotsi urged KeNHA and the government to suspend the demolitions until proper consultations are held with local leaders and stakeholders.
"I urge the government to halt the demolitions and engage with county leadership before proceeding further. I will personally take up this matter with KeNHA’s national office and also raise it in the Senate. I also engaged Governor Wilberforce Ottichilo and emphasised the importance of ensuring there is an adequate land bank to support the future expansion of Luanda town," he added.
Osotsi also asked the government to address pending development projects in the area, particularly the construction of Luanda market.
He noted that the town’s growing population and booming trade require additional infrastructure to support local livelihoods.
"In addition, I reminded the national government of the need to complete the ongoing construction of Luanda market. Given the high number of traders in Luanda, I believe it is also necessary to establish a second market to accommodate the overflow and support local commerce.
"Our people deserve orderly development that safeguards their livelihoods while preparing our town for growth," he concluded.
This comes months after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya led a protest against the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company.
In a statement on Monday, May 12, Natembeya said the demonstration which drew hundreds of locals was abruptly disrupted by police officers who used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
"The journey to Nzoia Sugar Company to find the truth was disrupted by police officers who threw tear gas canisters at us and the protestors who had accompanied us to the factory," he said.
Natembeya, who has been a vocal critic of plans to lease the state-owned sugar mill, argued that it would have devastating consequences to the region's economy.
"We must get to the bottom of this for the sake of our people. The Nzoia Sugar Company is a critical economic pillar for Western Kenya, supporting over 45,000 farmers and providing livelihoods for millions directly and indirectly.
"I perceive the privatization or leasing of this institution as a menace to the region's economy, particularly given its pivotal role in supporting sugarcane farmers and local communities. The smell of tear gas is necessary in the quest for freedom," he declared.
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