Senator Osotsi wants demolitions in Luanda town stopped

The ongoing demolitions to pave the way for the expansion of the Kisumu–Busia road into a dual carriageway should be done in a humane manner without discrimination, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has said.

Osotsi urged the government to halt the demolitions in Luanda, questioning the hurry in pulling down structures that support livelihoods before the government has secured funding for the planned construction.

The project will be financed using a loan from the African Development Bank.

“I want to make it clear that while we welcome development, it must come through the proper processes,” Ososti said, urging the government to engage with the county leadership before proceeding further.

He was speaking when he toured Luanda Market on Tuesday to assess the damage caused by the ongoing demolitions by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

Osotsi said he had also engaged Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo on the importance of ensuring there is a land bank to support the future expansion of Luanda town.

“Our people deserve orderly development that safeguards their livelihoods while preparing our town for growth,” he said.

Osotsi also called for the upgrading of the Chavakali–Kapsabet–Eldoret road to a dual carriageway, saying it will speed up regional growth and integration after the elevation of Eldoret to city status.

“Vihiga is strategically located between Kisumu and Eldoret and expanding this road will ease transport, open up trade, catalyse markets and stimulate economic growth across the region,” he said.

The Senator emphasised that the project should stand out as a hallmark of inclusive governance and broad-based development.

He also committed to continue pushing for increased allocations to counties to strengthen service delivery in health, education, agriculture and programmes targeting youth and women, beyond infrastructural development.

“Counties must have adequate resources to deliver to the people. My role is to ensure these resources are safeguarded and used accountably,” he said.

“Our people deserve development that is visible and sustainable. That is the responsibility we must uphold as leaders.”