Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has addressed recent criticism regarding the poor state of roads in the county, which some have compared to conditions in Yemen. Speaking at a fundraising event at Wikondiek SDA Church in Karachuonyo, Wanga attributed the dilapidated infrastructure to historical marginalisation of the region.
She explained that Homa Bay residents have long supported national reforms, including the push for a new Constitution, devolution, and human rights, but development has lagged due to neglect by previous administrations. "They are laughing at us saying Homa Bay looks like Yemen because of bad roads. They don't understand our pain because all these years we've been voting but no development has come," she said.
The comments come after disruptions on August 16, when rival youth groups blocked major roads across the county, including the Homa Bay–Rongo Road and routes near Kendu Junction, affecting movement and forcing the Linda Mwananchi convoy to use alternative feeder roads.
Governor Wanga highlighted ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, noting that the road drawing criticism is part of the Lake Victoria Ring Road project, which is slated for tarmacking under the current broad-based government alliance between ODM and President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.
Earlier this year, Wanga's administration reported opening 736 kilometres of new roads, maintaining 538 kilometres, and rehabilitating 116 kilometres of access roads connecting schools, health facilities, markets, and beaches.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo also weighed in, disputing the classification of some alternative routes used during the rally as mere feeder roads and calling for accelerated development due to years of neglect in the region.
The national government has pledged over KSh220 billion for development in Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, and Kisumu counties, including KSh9.5 billion dedicated to blue economy projects around Lake Victoria.
