Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has defended her decision to complete and open a new mortuary facility despite delays in other hospital projects. Critics argue she is prioritizing non-essential initiatives. Wanga insists the service is vital for dignified burials.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga officially opened a new mortuary facility on Thursday at the county's referral hospital. The facility has a capacity to hold 137 bodies, including 37 in private sections. Wanga said the construction was a resident request during campaigns, as the old mortuary, built over 50 years ago, could only hold 20 bodies and was often full.
“Sometimes the body of the deceased had to be placed on top of another. Many people had to take their loved ones to private mortuaries,” Wanga said. She added that the goal is to ensure dignified burials for all. “We all reach the end of life's journey. It is important to give our deceased the respect they deserve,” she stated.
However, the decision has been criticized by some residents and social media users, who claim the county government is prioritizing non-essential projects. They question why the Sh200 million hospital building, started in March 2023, remains incomplete, while new county headquarters were finished quickly and opened by President William Ruto in August this year.
Among the main critics is Odoyo Owidi, former chairman of the South Lake Victoria Water Development Board. Via Facebook, Owidi called the mortuary project “nonsense” and not a priority.
Wanga defended her administration, saying it has brought major improvements to the health sector, including upgrading the referral hospital from Level 4 to Level 5. “When we took office in 2022, the hospital was at level four. Through our efforts and support from the Health Ministry, we have elevated services and now residents receive better treatment,” she said. Additionally, the facility will be used by Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students studying mortuary services.