Former Miss Tourism Kisumu County has accused the county government of frustrating her efforts to market the lakeside region’s tourist sites. Wendy Odhiambo said she was mistreated by the county leadership, which she accused of failing to recognise her title to help her achieve her projects. Odhiambo blamed Governor Jack Ranguma for failing to allocate funds to help her, first and second runners-up initiate tourism marketing strategies. The former beauty queen cited an incident where she was forced to pay entrance fee on Sunday. Odhiambo was accompanied by Miss Tourism Homa Bay County Diana Achieng and other invited guests from other counties. She said was forced to pay Sh1,500 to access the event. “I was shocked and disappointed when I was blocked and forced to pay despite being invited,” Odhiambo said. Speaking during the crowning of Miss Tourism Kisumu County, she urged Ranguma and the tourism department to support the newly crowned beauty. “I would not like my predecessor to be mistreated the same way I was by the county leadership,” Odhiambo said. Christine Pete of Masinde Muliro University was crowned the new Kisumu County Miss Tourism Kenya 2014. Kisumu MCAs, led by acting speaker Gabriel Ochieng, condemned the incident, saying they will allocate funds to support the incoming tourism ambassador. Governor Ranguma’s wife, Olivia, apologised to Odhiambo and promised that she will personally work closely to support her predecessor. “My daughter, please forgives us and I will find away on how we can support you,” Olivia said. Pete, 22, is a final year Bachelor of Arts student, is from Nyando sub-county. The first and second runners-up were Linet Akoth from Nyakach and Dorcas Anyango from Kisumu west. Pete defeated 24 finalists and she will carry the county’s flag during the Miss Tourism Kenya national finals next month. Governor Jack Ranguma promised to support Pete in her projects to attract local and foreign tourists for revenue generation. Ranguma said they have allocated Sh70 million to construct a modern talent academy that will immensely help the county nurture talents.

Do you have a lead on a newsworthy story? Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa!