Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o announced that the county will not relinquish the 3.4‑acre Baby Pendo Park, a public recreational facility that was converted from a former dumpsite.

The governor said the incident was reported by a young resident who observed an unidentified person padlocking the park gate and taking down its signboard during the night while asserting ownership of the land.

Nyong’o said he immediately contacted other county officials and then visited the site to verify the situation.

He questioned why the claimant waited until the development was completed to raise ownership claims, noting that the land had been publicly transformed in full view of residents.

According to the governor, the county cleared the former dumping site, removed waste, rehabilitated the area and planted trees, creating a park now used by the community.

Nyong’o warned that any attempt to seize a facility built with public funds without raising objections during construction is unacceptable and will be contested in court.

He urged the individual claiming ownership to submit supporting documents through the proper legal channels, emphasizing that the dispute should be resolved through the judiciary rather than by locking gates.

At the time of reporting, The Star had not identified the person or persons responsible for the alleged lock‑out and sign removal.