Two activists from Homa Bay have filed a lawsuit to halt the construction of the new county headquarters, alleging that the project proceeded without proper public participation.
Evans Oloo and Michael Kojo contend that the county administration failed to secure approval from the county assembly (MCAs) before entering into an agreement with the County Pension Fund (CPF) for the project. This agreement, finalized in May, involves constructing new offices in Arujo, Homa Bay Town constituency, with CPF financing the project and the county repaying through monthly installments over 30 years.
During the groundbreaking ceremony on May 31, Governor Gladys Wanga highlighted that the new headquarters would improve working conditions for county staff and enhance service delivery. “The new offices will boost efficiency and help county officials serve residents more effectively,” Wanga stated.
Wanga defended the project, asserting that all necessary procedures, including public consultations and approvals from the National Treasury and Controller of Budget, were followed. However, the activists argue that the administration has failed to provide evidence of compliance with these requirements.
In their petition, the activists allege that their requests for project details were ignored, including a letter dated May 22, 2024, asking for information on the lease agreement, loan repayment terms, and taxpayer benefits. They also claim that the county has not demonstrated that the national government guaranteed the loan or that the executive committee approved the project and land transfer.
Furthermore, the petition cites a letter from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) indicating that the project commenced without an environmental impact assessment (EIA). NEMA’s Director, Josiah Nyandoro, stated that a restoration order was issued, halting work until an EIA license is obtained.
Kojo has requested the court to issue a temporary injunction to prevent any further activity at the site and to annul the lease agreement between the county government and CPF. The activists seek a suspension of construction until the court hears and decides on the petition.
Justice George Ong’ondo of the Lands and Environment Court has scheduled a hearing for October 7, where the petitioners will present their case for halting the project, and the county government will respond.
