Local residents in Vihiga express their disapproval towards the proposed creation of a county anthem.
A Stir in Vihiga: Residents Oppose County Anthem Project
It's all eyes on Vihiga as residents voice their disapproval over the county government's decision to develop an anthem.
In February, Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo revealed the County Flag and Other Symbols Selection Panel, tasked with overseeing the anthem's creation. This panel has now announced the commencement of the anthem composition process, calling for residents to join in this historic, culture-shaping initiative.
The Department of Gender, Culture, Youth, Sports, and Social Services has organized a five-day public participation schedule, with forums taking place across all six sub-counties. The objective is to engage residents in crafting an anthem that echoes the county's spirit, unity, and aspirations. These sessions, held from June 30 to July 4, 2025, start each day at 9 am.
The county government views this initiative as part of the Vihiga County Flag and Other Symbols Act, 2014, which grants the county the mandate to establish symbols embodying its heritage and values. The county believes that an official anthem will serve as a unifying symbol and foster local pride.
However, this move has sparked dissent from residents and civil rights groups. They argue that the county should prioritize more pressing development issues, such as infrastructure, healthcare, and water services, instead of investing in ceremonial symbols.
The Vihiga Human Rights Defender Group leads the opposition, urging the county to focus on improving essential services. Stephen Chahasi, a vocal critic, painfully points out the unfortunate state of healthcare institutions: "A walk through our health institutions will break your heart - nothing is functioning. Yet, we're talking about spending taxpayers' money on composing music," Chahasi lamented.
Chahasi also calls for transparency in the funding of this project, which will be managed by a seven-member selection committee. Another resident, Brown Kihusa, questions the timing and necessity of the initiative, asserting her doubts about the importance of an anthem compared to citizens' well-being. The backlash on social media is fierce, with many wondering why essential services suffer while the county focuses on creating an anthem.
Despite the criticism, the county government insists that the anthem will be a valuable symbol of unity and identity. Governor Ottichilo maintains that the collective expertise of the selection panel will produce a memorable, compelling anthem that defines Vihiga's identity and aspirations.
Related Topics
- County Anthem Controversy
- Vihiga County Symbols Project
- Vihiga Residents' Call for Accountability
- Priority of Public Resources
- Governor Wilber Ottichilo
As the debate continues, residents await the cost breakdown of this project and remain hopeful for improvements in essential services. Stay tuned for updates on this captivating story in Vihiga.
[1] Enrichment Data: The Vihiga County anthem project, involved with a committee of individuals such as Richard Khadambi and Rosemary Kwendo, has been met with resistance due to resident and civil rights group opposition. Critics argue that the county should prioritize essential services like healthcare, infrastructure, and water services, instead of allocating funds to symbolic projects like an anthem. Opponents also raise concerns about the project's timing, funding, and the perceived misallocation of taxpayers' money. (Source: Enrichment Data)
- The Vihiga County anthem project, led by a selection committee including Richard Khadambi and Rosemary Kwendo, has stirred a debate due to resident and civil rights group opposition.
- Climate change, sports, and general news discussions have taken a back seat as the issue of Vihiga County's anthem project and the controversy surrounding it capture public attention.
- The epaper headlines echo concerns from residents and critics, who question the timing and allocation of funds for the anthem project when essential services such as healthcare, infrastructure, and water services need immediate attention.
