Governor Wanga Defends Demolition of Ksh.100 Million Factory Amid Legal Challenges and Transparency Concerns**

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga is under fire after allegations surfaced that her administration demolished a Ksh.100 million animal feeds factory to pave the way for the construction of her office. The controversy has sparked legal action and raised concerns over transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process.

A recent Daily Nation report claimed that the factory, located in Arojo Ward, was torn down by the county government, leading to outcry from two local activists. The activists have taken the matter to court, accusing the county government of bypassing public consultation and violating the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2015. They are demanding a clear explanation of the decision to demolish the factory, which they say was not done through a public auction or tendering process.

In a sharp rebuttal, Homa Bay County Government spokesperson Atieno Otieno dismissed the allegations as inaccurate. Otieno explained that the factory, which had been under construction since 2014, was never completed due to its failure to meet mandatory construction standards. The project, according to the county government, lacked approvals from critical agencies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) because of its proximity to the Kabunde airstrip.

As a result, the county government decided to replan the site under the Physical Planning Act, relocating the animal feeds project to the County Aggregation and Industrial Park at Rita Special Economic Zone. The spokesperson clarified that the site would now host a Huduma Centre, with all necessary approvals in place.

Governor Wanga’s administration emphasized that the factory had become a "ghost project" after years of neglect and deterioration. The county government claims that under her leadership, unfinished projects from the previous administration are being repurposed or completed to ensure the best use of public funds.

However, the activists remain unconvinced, raising questions about the transparency of the demolition process and the lack of public engagement. They are pressing the county government to disclose the valuation of the demolished factory and to explain why the disposal of the public asset was not handled through standard public auction or tendering procedures.

This developing situation puts Governor Wanga's administration under intense scrutiny as the legal battle unfolds, with the potential to impact public trust and governance in Homa Bay County.