Kisumu County leaders have demanded for clarification from Governor Jack Ranguma over allegations that Kenyatta Sports Ground has been given out to a private developer for refurbishment.
Their demand follows a notice by the county government that informal business people selling marchandise at the sports grounds vacate the place to pave way for renovation.
Former Kisumu Municipal Mayor Prisca Misachi said Mr Ranguma must step in and address the issue urgently.
Ms Misachi said the ground was renovated with funds from Swedish International Development Cooperation to the tune of Sh18 million.
She expressed fear that the ground could change named after renovation.
“This sounds strange, let the governor come out and tell the people of Kisumu how this is going to happen and why,” she said.
Addressing a press conference in Kisumu on Thursday, Ms Misachi who is the ward representative for Shauri Moyo/Kaloleni said there was need for transparency and accountability in the manner public utilities are managed.
Ms Misachi said any attempt to bring in a private developer should be done within the law where public participation is given priority.
“We are not against any private developer moving in to renovate the ground, what we want is fairness in doing things. It is not about only those doing businesses in the ground, it is the people of Kisumu who must be involved in any deal over the ground,” she said.
She said many families are earning a living out of the businesses they are operating within the ground and wondered where they will go to after the private developer kicks them out.