Wanga Responds After Linda Mwananchi Rally Exposes Homa Bay's Poor Roads

The poor state of roads in Homa Bay County came under scrutiny during the Linda Mwananchi tour on Sunday, August 16, after videos highlighted dusty and poorly maintained roads in parts of the county.

In an update, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna criticised the state of infrastructure in Homa Bay, saying the reality on the ground differed from the political image that had been presented about the county.

"They said Homa Bay was where the shiny things were, but it turns out it was all just political rhetoric. The dust is constant," he said.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo also raised concerns over the condition of roads in both Suba South and Suba North, arguing that residents should not be given explanations that downplay the extent of the infrastructure problems.

"Most of our roads are bad in Suba South and North. Let us stop lying to people by saying those are feeder roads and that the main roads were barricaded," she stated.

In response, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga defended the county while explaining the circumstances she said had contributed to the region’s development challenges.

"Now they are laughing at us, saying Homa Bay looks like Yemen because of the state of the roads in Suba. They do not know the pain that we feel because, all those years, we had been voters, but the development that should have come to Luo was denied because of our decision to fight for our country," she said.

Wanga said the region’s political struggles had been driven by efforts to secure constitutional reforms, devolution and greater protection of human rights for Kenyans.

"We fought so that we could bring things like devolution and the new Constitution, so that we could talk about human rights. 

"We have fought for all Kenyans, and that is why we were marginalised. That is why you can come to Homa Bay and laugh at the state of our roads," she added.

Wanga said the county was now benefiting from its participation in the broad-based government, pointing to plans to improve one of the roads that had featured prominently in the criticism.

"Now that we are in the broad-based government, the Suba road they are laughing at has been signed off by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi for tarmacking," she further said.

Elsewhere, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has come under scrutiny following remarks captured on video in which he appeared to make statements targeting the opposition. 

In the video, Kaluma appeared to warn individuals associated with the opposition against working against his political side.

"Anyone among us who is working with the other side (the opposition), even if they are a driver and feel that they cannot walk with us, should leave," he said.

Kaluma also appeared to threaten businesses in Homa Bay Town whose owners may be perceived to be supporting or accommodating opposition figures.

"We will inspect all the hotels where they stay. If you own a hotel in Homa Bay Town, because we will be moving around with these people, we may even 'destroy' your hotel," he added.

Kaluma described Homa Bay as an ODM stronghold while declaring his support for President William Ruto serving two terms. 

He also appeared to issue a warning against those advocating for a single presidential term.

"This is an ODM stronghold, and we insist that Ruto will serve two terms. If someone says one term, 'deal' with them," he further said.