Homa Bay Governor defends county infrastructure amid criticism

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has defended the county's development record following online criticism and comparisons to war-torn regions due to the poor state of local roads.

Addressing the issue at a church in Karachuonyo, Wanga attributed the infrastructure deficit to decades of historical marginalisation. She argued that the region has suffered from neglect despite its residents' historical support for national reforms, such as devolution and the new Constitution. The governor stated that the dusty and potholed roads are a testament to the challenges inherited from successive governments rather than a mark of current failure.

The debate intensified after the Linda Mwananchi movement toured the county, highlighting the rough conditions along the Mbita–Sindo–Kiabuya–Sori corridor. One specific project, the 74-kilometre Mbita road, has faced significant delays; originally awarded in 2016, it stalled due to funding constraints and has only seen approximately 28 kilometres of tarmacking completed over the last two years.