Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalango, has defended the progress of road infrastructure in Homa Bay County after the condition of some roads sparked debate during the Linda Mwananchi tour of the region.
The debate emerged on Sunday after politicians and supporters travelling in the Linda Mwananchi convoy encountered sections of poor and dusty roads as they made their way towards Homa Bay Town.
The state of the roads drew attention online, with some Kenyans questioning the level of infrastructure development in the county.
However, Jalango, who was born and raised in Homa Bay, said the current situation should be viewed against the county's infrastructure position three years ago.
In a statement, the Lang’ata legislator acknowledged that more work was needed but pointed to several roads he said had been completed or improved over the past three years.
Among them are the Sofia–Katuma to Got Asego road, KFTC to Gor Rabuor, Makongeni to St. Paul Church, Industrial Area to Lake Primary to Ka Police and Shauri Yako to Angalo.
Jalango also cited the Sofia–Nyakach Dho Nam dual carriageway, Rusinga Ring Road and Wahambla Road as examples of infrastructure projects that have changed parts of the county.
“Many people may not understand where Homa Bay was three years ago because they simply cannot relate to the transformation,” Jalango said.
He argued that residents who have lived in Homa Bay for years are better placed to assess the changes, having experienced the condition of roads before the reported improvements.
The legislator credited President William Ruto's administration for what he described as efforts to change Homa Bay's infrastructure story.
At the same time, Jalango conceded that significant gaps remain, noting that residents themselves would be the first to point out areas that still require attention.
“There is still much more to be done, and the people of Homa Bay will be the first to tell you that,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing political attention on infrastructure development in Homa Bay, particularly as political leaders crisscross the county ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Jalango further linked the infrastructure debate to growing support for Ruto in parts of Homa Bay, saying residents understand the difference between the county's past and its current state.
“When you hear the people of Homa Bay saying ‘2 Term,’ they know where we were three years ago and where we are today,” he said.
The debate, however, highlights the challenge facing the county, where completed road projects coexist with stretches that residents and motorists continue to describe as difficult to navigate.:::