Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has accepted an apology from Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. following remarks he made regarding the HIV/AIDS situation in Homa Bay County.
Governor Wanga acknowledged the apology while welcoming visiting teams and guests to Homa Bay for the ongoing Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) games.
"Apology accepted and welcome to the county of endless potential," she stated, signaling an end to the brief public concern that followed Governor Mutula’s earlier comments.
While flagging off a youth team from Makueni to the KYISA games in Homa Bay, Governor Mutula advised the participants to exercise caution during their stay, referencing the county’s high HIV/AIDS prevalence and its approach to openness and awareness.
"Homa Bay is a great county... They are more open about living with HIV/AIDS, and there's less stigma—even to the point where someone can openly ask for HIV medication to be delivered to them," he said.
The remarks sparked mixed reactions, including from Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, who expressed concern over the tone and implication of the comments.
In response, Governor Mutula issued a public apology.
"I realise that my words on HIV/AIDS in Homa Bay may have led to a misunderstanding. My apologies to my colleague, Hon. Gladys Wanga, and the people of Homa Bay. I was only cautioning the youth," he clarified.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang responded by urging leaders to avoid perpetuating stereotypes, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and sensitivity in public discourse.
KYISA games are an annual event for youth aged 18-23 who may have missed mainstream scouting opportunities in organized sports.
These individuals are required not to have participated in higher learning institutions' sports or elite clubs, including Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA), Division 1, Division 2, National Super, and Premier leagues.
This year's event is the 10th since it was started.
Last year’s edition, featuring three disciplines-ootball for boys and girls, volleyball for boys and basketball for girls was held in Kilifi.
Each of the 47 counties is tasked with organising competitions at the grassroots level (Ward level), culminating in county-level selections to form teams for the national KYISA games.
