A Thanksgiving and Prayer Day hosted by Homa Bay County Woman Representative Joyce Atieno Bensuda Osogo at Kanyadhiang Primary School recorded a lower-than-expected turnout, with many seats remaining unoccupied throughout much of the function.
The event, attended by clergy, political leaders and invited guests, was organized as a thanksgiving and prayer meeting.
However, conversations after the gathering largely centered on the apparent low attendance.
Some residents interviewed after the event claimed they had chosen not to attend, alleging that the Woman Representative has become less accessible to constituents.
The claims are those of the residents and were not independently verified.
Others linked the turnout to the recent public dispute between Dr. Bensuda and Luo Benga musician Atommy Sifa.
The dispute began after the musician publicly criticized the legislator and raised concerns about the welfare of a relative he claimed had not received support,despite loud pronounciation by the woman representative.
Days later, Dr. Bensuda accused the musician of handling a cow she claimed had been stolen from her.
The musician denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the animal had wandered into his compound and that he had restrained it while waiting for its owner.
The matter later proceeded to court, where the musician faced charges related to the cow.
During the proceedings, Dr. Bensuda informed the court that she had recovered the animal and asked that the matter be resolved and she bailed Sifa at a court fee 40,000 kenyan shillings.
The dispute generated widespread public debate across Homa Bay County and on social media, with supporters of both sides expressing differing opinions.
Residents argued that the controversy may have affected public perception of the Woman Representative, although there is no independent evidence directly linking it to the attendance at the thanksgiving event.
Meanwhile, those who attended the function also decried being duped as they had been promised meals after being transported to the venue but left disappointed after waiting for several hours.
Efforts to obtain a response from Dr. Bensuda regarding the concerns raised by residents and attendees were not immediately successful by the time of publication.
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