Left Behind: How Unga Ojode Lost Its Police Presence

Unga Ojode Police Post on the Ndhiwa–Pala road in Homa Bay County is no longer operating from its designated site, leaving motorists without access to police assistance along the route.

The post, located between Ndhiwa Town and Pala in Kabuoch, was established to offer security and emergency support on a difficult stretch of road. It now appears abandoned, with a faded signboard, overgrown compound and a single iron-sheet structure that lacks a door. Officers assigned to the post no longer work from the gazetted location.

Instead, police operate from nearby residential quarters provided by the family of the late Joshua Orwa Ojode, a former Assistant Minister for Internal Security. While local residents know where to find the officers, travellers unfamiliar with the area often assume the post is inactive and are left without guidance or support.

Residents say the reduced visibility of police has affected security along the road. Ndhiwa resident Sally Manyala said roadblocks that were once common on the route are no longer in place, making it easier for criminal activity to occur. He noted that the absence of officers at the official site weakens deterrence and limits the post’s intended role.

The police post was established on land donated by Ojode, opposite his rural home in Unga village, after residents requested improved security. Ojode funded the construction of a basic iron-sheet office, while his family provided housing for officers. During his lifetime, the post was active and visibly staffed. After his death, no further government investment was made, and the facility fell into disuse.

Unga Sub-location Assistant Chief Nick Magambo confirmed that the post remains officially gazetted and continues to serve the area. He said officers, including a corporal, are based at the residential site because the government did not provide separate housing or office facilities. As a result, the residential quarters are now used for both accommodation and operations.

Ndhiwa Police Commander John Losia said the situation reflects challenges faced by police posts across the country. He noted that some facilities have been upgraded administratively but lack essential infrastructure. He called on the National Government Constituency Development Fund to support the construction of proper offices and housing at Unga Ojode Police Post.

Without improvements, the post remains unable to function from its intended location, limiting police presence along a key road used daily by residents and travellers in the area.