UGUNJA: Residents of Mbosie in Ugunja Sub-county, led by the student leadership of Mbosie Vocational Training Institute, are calling on the county government to make the newly constructed health facility in the area operational.

They are urging the administration of Governor James Orengo to deploy medical personnel and stock the health center with essential drugs and equipment.

Constructed in 2022, the facility remains unused, forcing residents to travel over seven kilometers to access healthcare services.“This facility was built by the previous regime.

All that’s needed now is human resources and medical supplies for it to become functional. This is the third year since Governor Orengo took office—what are his plans?” posed Nicholas Gwadi, a youth from Ugunja.

Gwadi added, “We are giving the governor a maximum of three months to staff the facility and equip it with drugs. If he fails, he will have to explain himself to us.”

The youth accused the county leadership of neglecting critical public services.

“We don’t want to hear the governor talking about being ready to go to jail. He shouldn’t be in the streets—he should be working to ensure people receive basic services. We will not accept any excuses,” Gwadi emphasized.

His remarks were echoed by Moses Nyawade, who highlighted the urgent need for emergency healthcare in the area.

“The nearest health facilities are far away. In emergencies, there’s nothing the locals can do. With several institutions and a large population in this area, people are suffering—we cannot afford to play politics,” said Nyawade.

Harold Ochieng, another youth from Ugunja, called for Governor Orengo’s resignation, citing unfulfilled promises.

“His manifesto focused on improving healthcare, creating jobs for the youth, and supporting widows. Nearly three years later, there’s nothing to show for those promises,” said Ochieng.

On the issue of protests, Ochieng noted that many youths have lost their lives in demonstrations across Nyanza, particularly in Kisumu and other Luo Nyanza counties.

He emphasized the need for a new approach.“We support the broad-based government. This is a time for reflection and development, especially now that we have a working relationship with the national government. We will not return to the streets,” he said.