Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya's recent decision to demolish private facilities within Kakamega Town has elicited mixed reactions from lawyers in the county.
The county boss has lately been demolishing private properties elected on road reserves and other freehold areas, exercises he has been personally supervising.
Last Friday, the Governor ordered the demolition of a morgue in Emusonga Estate, and also carted away some coffins, the facility did not have the blessings of residents.
The actions have been questioned by Lawyer Zablon Atudo, who argues that the Governor is exercising absolute powers, including on the mortuary incident.
"Unless sanctioned by relevant authorities and backed by an approval from Physical Planning Department, a mortuary on a freehold land area can be faced with legal challenges," he told the People Daily on Sunday.
However, County Attorney Moses Sande defended the move, pointing out that the morgue was operating without the required approval from the county leadership.
“As I speak to you now, that business is not licensed. The County department for lands, physical planning and urban development revoked the permit,” he said.
He also defended Oparanya's move to cart away the coffins, even as both lawyers agreed that the county was right to demolish the kiosks as their construction was allowed on a temporary basis.