Written By Lisa Murimi
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed reservations about the reconstruction of the vandalized Busia Stadium, suggesting that it should only proceed if locals can ensure its protection from future destruction.
Gachagua emphasized that it would be a challenge to allocate funds to rebuild a stadium that was damaged by its own community. He pointed out the need to consider those parts of the country without any stadiums and questioned whether it was fair to divert resources from new projects to renovate a facility that was ruined.
“Ati mnataka pesa ya kujenga Stadium ambayo hawa watu walibomoa wenyewe? How? Na wakenya wengine ambao hawana stadium tutawaambia nini? Tutawacha kujengea wale hawana tujenga ya wale walibomoa wenyewe? That is difficult,” he said.
However, Gachagua noted that if the county government formally requests renovation and commits to preventing further vandalism, the situation might change.
He urged the Busia Governor to provide a written assurance that the stadium would be safeguarded to avoid similar incidents in the future.
“This stadium is yours, you are the people who play several games in it, protect it. I am requesting you, governor to put it in writing and give me a copy so that it won’t be destroyed again,” he said.
This response comes after Busia Governor Paul Otuom’s appeal for assistance from Deputy President Gachagua regarding the renovation of the Busia Stadium, which sustained significant damage during anti-government protests in July.
The dilemma highlights the delicate balance between providing necessary infrastructure and ensuring its proper use and protection. The situation underscores the complexities involved in resource allocation and decision-making, particularly when public facilities are at stake.
