Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Thursday promised to complete all stalled projects started by her predecessor Cyprian Awiti.
She said the projects were funded by taxpayers’ money and she would complete them to benefit residents.
Some of them are Arujo Animal Feeds, Kigoto Maize Mill and Homa Bay County Stadium.
“Homa Bay people yearn for development and I want to assure you that we'll do our best to deliver. We know our priorities and the people of Homa Bay will see the difference,” Wanga said.
She spoke when she took the oath of office to become the second governor of Homa Bay.
Wanga said she is taking over a government with a bloated wage bill and pending bills. She asked residents to be patient as her administration addresses the challenges.
We must ensure residents enjoy the fruits of devolution.
Wanga said her administration will improve health facilities and roads and ensure there is adequate supply of water.
“Let's join hands and fight corruption and reward only those workers who do their duties well. I commit here that my government will not condone any public resources,” she said.
She pledged to empower youth, women and persons with disability by setting aside 30 per cent of procurement to the groups. She also promised to support traders.
Wanga extended an olive branch to her challengers in the race Evans Kidero (independent) and UDA's Mark Rabudi.
She said the votes she and her deputy Oyugi Magwanga received was a clear indication of the trust and confidence residents have in them.
Wanga garnered 244,559 votes, Kidero got 154,189 while Rabudi had 1,249.
“We thank our worthy opponents for the good competition. But I appeal for them to join hands so we can develop Homa Bay together,” she said.
Awiti said he had started the foundation and it is time for Wanga to build it.
“We did our best, hence the new leadership can take over from there,” Awiti said.
Wanga was sworn in by presiding judge Asenath Ongeri at Homa Bay County Stadium.
Magwanga asked Homa Bay people to continue supporting them to deliver services.
“We must walk together and ensure we deliver the election pledges,” he said.
Azimio deputy presidential candidate Martha Karua was present during the swearing-in.
Others were MPs-elect Peter Kaluma, Beatrice Elachi, Rosa Buyu, Eve Obara, Lilian Gogo, Martin Owino and Ongondo Were.
Karua commended Homa Bay residents for standing with Wanga and their presidential candidate Raila Odinga during elections.
She said the election of Wanga has opened a new chapter in Nyanza by becoming the first woman governor in the region.
“Nyanza region has become a pioneer in supporting women leadership. They elected Grace Ogot as MP when gender parity was still a tall order,” Karua said.
She asked residents who are supporters of Azimio to remain steadfast as they wait for the outcome from the Supreme Court.
Raila and Karua went to court to challenge the election of William Ruto as president.
“We have evidence on malpractices which occurred during elections. Let us remain peaceful because we know our victory will soon be delivered to us,” Karua said.
Edited by A.N
