Rising insecurity in Homa Bay Town has sparked concern among local leaders, with reports of daily muggings, non-functional street lights, and growing gang activity exposing residents to danger.
Leaders from Bunge la Wananchi (Homa Bay County Citizens Association) said poorly lit areas, including routes near Tom Mboya University, have become crime hotspots, putting students and residents at risk.
“Students are being mugged due to darkness and lack of patrols. Street lights are not working, and residents are exposed,” said John Okiki, a member of the forum, who also blamed authorities for failing to curb open drug use and goons in public spaces.
They also pointed out that residents continue to grapple with recurring floods, poor infrastructure, and inequality in resource allocation.
Speaking on behalf of residents, the forum’s speaker, Imran Owino, described the floods as a “major disaster”, saying families are displaced every rainy season and forced to seek shelter in schools and hospitals.
“We are suffering every year. When it rains, people leave their homes. This must stop. Both county and national governments must act,” said Owino.
On the other hand, Bunge La Wenanchi Secretary Lawrence Omollo highlighted challenges facing sugarcane farmers in Ndhiwa, citing poor road networks despite ongoing deductions from farmers’ earnings.
“Farmers are contributing, yet roads remain impassable. Locals are also being sidelined in employment despite policies requiring 70 per cent local representation,” he said.
The assembly’s spokesperson, Evans Otieno criticized what he termed as ‘unequal development’, noting reduced road funding and delayed electricity restoration in Ndhiwa.
“We were promised better roads, but funding has been slashed. Some residents have stayed for months without power,” he said.
He also faulted the Social Health Authority (SHA) over limited access to healthcare, alleging inefficiencies and corruption.
They called on both county and national governments to urgently address these concerns.
By Sitna Omar
