Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has pledged to safeguard Baby Pendo Park, a 3.4-acre public recreational facility, from an alleged land grab. The governor was responding to an incident where an individual claiming ownership of the land locked the park’s gate and removed its signboard. Nyong’o stated that the county government would not surrender the facility, which was transformed from a dumpsite into a recreational park through public investment.
According to Nyong’o, the county was alerted to the incident by a young person who reported that an individual had visited the premises at night, padlocked the gate, and pulled down the signboard while claiming ownership of the land. The governor immediately contacted other county officials and visited the site to establish what had happened. He expressed concern that the individual had waited until the county completed the development before raising ownership claims.
Nyong’o questioned the timing of the ownership claim, stating that if the land was genuinely private property, the individual should have come forward when the county started developing it. The governor noted that the county had found the land neglected, with heaps of garbage turning it into a dumping site. The county subsequently cleared the waste, rehabilitated the area, and planted trees, transforming it into a recreational space now used by residents.
The governor emphasized that it was unacceptable for anyone to seek to take over a facility developed using public resources without raising objections during the construction process. Nyong’o stated that as the county government, they have a responsibility to protect public land and investments in Kisumu. He challenged the individual claiming ownership to present supporting documents through the appropriate legal channels.
Nyong’o condemned the alleged nighttime actions, insisting that any ownership concerns should be addressed through lawful procedures rather than locking gates and interfering with a public facility. The governor stated that the county was ready to have the dispute determined in court. The dispute now puts the ownership of the land hosting Baby Pendo Park at the center of a confrontation between the county government and the unidentified claimant.
By the time of publication, the identity of the individual or individuals who allegedly locked the park’s gate, removed its signboard, and claimed ownership of the property had not been established. The county government’s efforts to protect the park have been met with public support, with residents appreciating the facility’s transformation from a dumpsite into a recreational space.
The incident has raised concerns about land grabbing in Kisumu, with many calling for the government to take decisive action to protect public land. The county government has assured residents that it will not allow anyone to take over public facilities developed for their benefit.
Key points
- The county government of Kisumu will not surrender Baby Pendo Park to an individual claiming ownership.
- The park was transformed from a dumpsite into a recreational space through public investment.
- The governor has challenged the individual to present supporting documents through the appropriate legal channels.
