Why Governor Nyong’o is facing jail
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Deputy Governor Mathew Owili, and City Manager Abala Wanga may face a six-month imprisonment or financial penalty for defying court directives that prohibit them from assuming control of the contested Ofafa Memorial Hall.
Know their fate
The future of the three individuals, along with Acting County Secretary Judith Oluoch, will be decided on March 6 during a court hearing related to an application filed against them for contempt. In a ruling made on January 29, 2024, Justice Samson Okong’o extended interim orders that prohibited the four individuals from participating in any activities at Ofafa Memorial Hall until the resolution of the application on March 6.
Wilful disobedience
The claimants sought to have Governor Nyong’o, Deputy Dr. Owili, Acting County Secretary Ms. Oluoch, and City Manager Mr. Abala Wanga held in contempt for deliberately disobeying the orders issued on December 15, 2023.
On December 15, 2024, Judge Esther Asati of the Environment and Land Court issued directives preventing the defendants from moving forward with various actions, including the commemorative event for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga at the Ofafa Memorial Hall.
Demolition exercise
Nevertheless, on December 19, 2023, the county government of Kisumu and the City Manager, in open defiance of court orders, initiated a demolition operation targeting sections of the Ofafa Memorial Hall, carried out by their representatives.
They demolished and leveled certain buildings to the ground, announcing publicly that the ownership of the property now falls under the jurisdiction of the Kisumu County Government.
The highest form of mockery
The act of tearing down structures and subsequently forcing occupants to leave was seen as the utmost form of ridicule. It involved defying court orders and disrupting the activities of traders who had been occupying the contested piece of land.
As per the individuals asserting in the lawsuit, being forcibly removed has exposed them to potential legal actions from various third parties for violating the terms of their lease agreement. Additionally, on December 22, 2023, the county government conducted the coronation ceremony for Mzee Odungi Randa as the Ker of the Luo council of elders.
The memorial service for the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga took place at Ofafa Memorial Hall on January 20, 2024, organized by the county government and the city manager. This event occurred despite renovations to the premises, which were carried out in blatant disregard of court orders.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Deputy Governor Mathew Owili, and City Manager Abala Wanga could face a six-month imprisonment or be subjected to a fine for defying court orders that prohibit them from assuming control of the contested Ofafa Memorial Hall.
Know their fate
The fate of the trio, along with Acting County Secretary Judith Oluoch, will be determined on March 6 during the hearing of an application filed against them for contempt.
Why Governor Nyong’o is facing jail
