Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga has elicited
mixed reactions from Kenyans after giving new names to the streets in Homa Bay
town.
Wanga named the streets after various prominent
politicians in the county, including herself.
Some of the names are Gladys Wanga Street, Ong’ondo Were Street and Orwa Ojode Street.
The naming has been done to ease movement during the Devolution Conference
slated for August 12 to 15, 2025.
Earlier in April, Wanga gave notice inviting public participation for the naming of the streets.
Wanga had promised residents that their input would be taken into account to ensure the chosen names represent the county’s heritage, culture, and core values.
“The names of the streets are meant to celebrate prominent
leaders, cultural landmarks or people who have made significant contributions
to the growth of the county,” she said.
A section of the residents and Kenyans at large has welcomed the names,
while others have criticised them.
Some critics see the move as self-promotional given her current position in
office, while others defend it, emphasising that the process involved public participation
and marks the first instance of street naming in Homa Bay.
An X user wondered why the streets were not named
after other figures whom she sees as more worthy.
“Nonsense. Why can't Homa Bay County name a street
after Tom Mboya, Gor Mahia, Akuku Danja, Phoebe Asiyo, Samwel Ogada or Paul Mbuya
instead of Gladys Wanga?” Nyaboke Mshamba asked.
One David Ngala shared in the aforementioned
sentiments, saying in event he becomes the county boss, he will rename the
streets.
“When I become the governor of
Homabay County in 2032, Ong'ondo Were street will be renamed Odhiambo Mbai street
and Gladys Wanga street will be renamed Phoebe Asiyo street, and Adipo Okuome
street will be renamed Opuk Robert Mugabe street,” he wrote.
“Governor Gladys Wanga!
Instead of fixing potholes or, I don’t know, ensuring clean water for Homa Bay,
you’ve outdone yourself by slapping your name on every street sign—truly the
heroic legacy-building we all deserve! Maybe next, you can name the potholes
after your critics for a complete set!” another Kenyan commented.
Another user proposed
that the streets be renamed after Homa Bay’s natural features.
“That should be renamed to Homabay physical features
like Homa Hills street, Kendu Bay Street, Ruma Street, Gembe Hills Street, and
stuff like that,” Thinker said.
All was not negative, as a resident
complimented Wanga for honouring the late Orwa Ojode in naming a street after
him.
“For the respect of the noble people
of Ndhiwa, and in loving honour and memory of our late hero, leader and son Joshua
Orwa Ojode, our beloved Governor Gladys Wanga has made a noble and historic
decision to name the street connecting Bank Road to the main Kindubay–Rodi
Highway, through the well-known Nyanza Guest House, after our fallen icon,”
Nyar Agweng said.
“Dear Governor, as proud residents
from the seven wards of Ndhiwa Constituency, we are deeply grateful for the
admirable gesture you have bestowed upon us.”
Another X user commented, “I
don't mind the name of the street or hospital so long as everything is working and
getting the services you're seeking. The street looks clean, drainage is well
done. Everything perfect! Congrats,
Gladys Wanga”.
