Residents of Navakholo, Kakamega County, have blamed Governor Fernandes Barasa after two people succumbed while digging a county toilet.
The two, who were digging the toilet on Tuesday night, are said to have been buried in mud and could not be rescued, leading to their unfortunate passing.
According to eyewitnesses, the collapse happened suddenly, drawing the attention of local residents who rushed to the scene in a desperate attempt to help.
"We heard screams, and when we got outside, we found people rushing to the scene; it was then that we learnt that the soil caved in while they were inside the latrine. What happened is painful," said Rachae Nancy, a resident.
The residents are accusing county leaders of negligence in not responding to the tragedy and rescuing those trapped inside the collapsed toilet in time.
They were specifically angered by the response of the county, which, instead of providing rescuers to rescue those trapped, sent firemen who had no idea how to handle the situation.
They have also accused the county government of not complying with building regulations.
''The main issue we have is with the county government of Kakamega. Why are they this incompetent? Why could they send surveyors to assess this place before authorising a toilet to be dug here?" one of the residents complained.
''We have been demanding that the county employ youths to rescue people trapped in the mud. How can people be stuck in the mud, and you bring a firetruck?'' the visibly angry residents continued.
The residents have condemned the governor and demanded answers and proper leadership in the county.
North Butsotso area Chief Wycliffe Kombo confirmed the incident, revealing that the pit latrine project began three days ago, and sadly, the soil was not strong enough to support the workers.
One worker survived the ordeal and was taken to Bushiri Health Centre, where he was treated and later discharged.
The bodies were retrieved and taken to the Kakamega County Referral Hospital mortuary. The governor is yet to respond to the matter.
