Migori gubernatorial hopeful and UDA aspirant Dr Pamela Odhiambo has sharply criticized the Migori County administration over what she termed as the continued neglect of critical road infrastructure across the county, warning that residents are suffering due to impassable roads worsened by heavy rains.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the dilapidated Kababu–Kadera road in Suna West Constituency, Dr Odhiambo issued what she described as a “yellow card” to Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, accusing his administration of failing to prioritize road maintenance despite residents repeatedly raising concerns over accessibility challenges.
According to the gubernatorial hopeful, the Kababu–Kadera road has become nearly impassable following weeks of heavy rains that washed away sections of the road, leaving deep gullies and muddy stretches that have crippled transport activities in the area.
She noted that motorists, boda boda operators, traders, school-going children and patients seeking medical attention have been forced to endure long hours on the road or seek alternative routes due to the deteriorating infrastructure.
“It is unacceptable for residents of Migori to continue suffering because of poor leadership and negligence. Roads are a basic necessity for economic growth and access to essential services. The people of Kababu and Kadera deserve better. Governor Ayacko must stop making promises and instead act swiftly to restore these roads,” said Dr Pamela Odhiambo.
The UDA politician further accused the county leadership of concentrating on politics at the expense of service delivery, arguing that poor roads have negatively impacted trade and agricultural activities in various parts of Migori County.
“Farmers cannot transport their produce to markets, traders are counting losses daily, and emergency services are being delayed because roads have been abandoned. This is not just a transport issue; it is an economic crisis affecting ordinary wananchi,” she added.
Residents who spoke during the inspection decried the worsening situation, saying the poor state of roads has exposed them to suffering and increased transport costs.
Mr. Maurice Owino, a boda boda operator from the area, lamented that riders are now spending more money repairing motorcycles damaged by the rough terrain.
“Our motorcycles break down almost every week because of these roads. Sometimes customers refuse to travel because the roads are too dangerous and muddy. We are losing business and our livelihoods are at risk,” said Owino.
Dorothy Atieno, a trader from Kadera market, said transport delays have disrupted businesses and movement of goods.
“Vehicles get stuck for hours whenever it rains. Traders are unable to receive supplies on time and farmers cannot take their produce to the market. We feel abandoned by the county government,” she said.
A local motorist, Dickens Kajwang’, urged county authorities to urgently intervene before the situation worsens further.
“Some sections of this road are no longer motorable. School children and patients are the most affected because movement has become extremely difficult. We need immediate rehabilitation of these roads,” Kajwang’ stated.
Dr Odhiambo further challenged the county government to allocate more resources toward infrastructure development and maintenance, arguing that improved roads would enhance economic growth, healthcare access, education and regional connectivity.
She also called upon leaders across political divides to unite in demanding accountability and efficient utilization of public resources meant for development projects.
The poor state of roads in Migori County has remained a major concern among residents, especially during rainy seasons when several feeder roads become inaccessible, cutting off villages and disrupting economic activities across the region.
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