"Wapi serikali?": Kenyans raise questions over poor state of roads in Homa Bay

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

• Kenyans raised concerns over the state of roads in Homa Bay County after the Linda Mwananchi caravan struggled to access rally venues

• The team led by Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino was rerouted to rough, remote roads after hired goons blocked a section of the tarmacked highway

• Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma dismissed the concerns, saying interior roads were used and that President Ruto had built better ones in the county

The Linda Mwananchi rally caravan in Homa Bay County ran into trouble on the ground on Tuesday, exposing what critics are calling a deeper failure by the government to develop roads in the region.

The team, led by Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, was forced onto rough, remote routes after hired goons blocked access to a section of the main tarmacked highway, preventing the convoy from reaching designated rally venues.

High-end vehicles, including Prados, battled potholes and dusty terrain for over two hours as the team worked to beat tight timelines. Bodyguards hanging on both sides of the vehicles were blanketed in clouds of dust throughout the journey. Observers online commended the drivers for handling the difficult conditions with care.

Kaluma Defends Government's Road Record

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was quick to respond, arguing that the convoy had deliberately avoided the better roads constructed under President William Ruto's administration. Posting on social media.

"I told you not to use Kabunde Airstrip built by President Ruto as you sing your useless wantam slogans - you've obeyed. I also told you not to use our beautiful roads done for us by President Ruto - so far so good. Now bring Orengo to me - he needs water," he said.

Kaluma maintained that the roads used by the Linda Mwananchi team were interior ones, and that improved tarmacked alternatives existed in the county.

Kenyans Push Back on Development Claims

A section of Kenyans rejected Kaluma's framing, arguing that the state of roads in Homa Bay remains poor despite consistent political support from local leaders, including Governor Gladys Wanga, for the broad-based government.

Netizen Willis Otieno pointed to what he described as a glaring inconsistency in government priorities.

"Ruto managed to tarmac 60 kilometres of road in Olkalou within two weeks. That alone proves that when the government decides to act, it can move with incredible speed. So why should the people of Homa Bay continue driving through poor roads, including areas that are economically important to the region? The problem has never been a lack of capacity, resources or technical ability. It is simply a question of political priority," Otieno wrote.

He added:

"When leaders want something done, money is found, contractors are mobilised, and deadlines suddenly become urgent. But when an area is not treated as a priority, its people are left with dust, potholes and endless promises. Imagine what it takes for ordinary residents to walk these roads every day. Then you see broad-based politicians, like the Soda CS, handing out millions in handouts to the very people who depend on these roads. I weep for my beloved Kenya."

Henix Obuchunju took a more sardonic tone, subtly commending the rally team for avoiding the tarmac associated with Ruto given their criticism of his administration, while noting that the episode had exposed the gap between the government's development narrative and conditions on the ground.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.