Former Toyokoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati Families were hit hard when the Sh500 million building was demolished overnight to make way for the Masinde Muliro Stadium.
This year's Spotted Duck Day celebrations will be held at Masinde Muliro Stadium.
The building's owner, Patrick Wangamati, on Sunday denied allegations that he acquired the land through illegal means.
Speaking in Bungo town, he said the land was advertised in 1968 by the government, which was looking for investors to operate a gas station.
Mr Wangamati said he was shocked to learn that his building was among those scheduled to be demolished to make way for the stadium expansion.
“I did not acquire this land illegally. It was advertised as such. I applied for it and received it, so I drove to a gas station called Agip gas station,” he said.
Mr Wangamati said he had run businesses in the western region for many years but had never acquired public land.
“If I were a land grabber, I could own a large tract of land in Webuye because it is a town where I have been active for many years,” he said.
Mr Wangamati said during his reign as president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he partnered with other organizations for the development of Toyoma County.
He accused the Bungo city government of failing to comply with a court order to halt the building's demolition.
“I'm really disappointed in this move,” Wangamati said.
He said the county government should further develop the town instead of demolishing buildings.
Mr Wangamati told the Star he had leased the property for 99 years and the demolition of the building was a huge blow to his family.
“The government should invite us and talk about how they can compensate me and my family,” he said.
Former Governor Wangamati said: “They placed over 100 police officers around the area. They may have thought the Wangamati family had something to hide.”
The former governor said his father was an official of the former Elgon-Nyanza District Council comprising Bungoma and Busia, where he worked in the revenue collection and internal audit departments.
“My father held that position in the revenue collection department from 1958 to 1965, and during the seven years he was an employee, he was never accused of stealing anything,” he said.
The former county mayor said after he resigned and moved to Webuye, he started a business, became active in politics and became the first chairman of Webuye town council.
“During his reign as Chairman of Webwe City Council, many events and major projects took place in Webwe,” he said.
The former governor said his father did not acquire public land.
In January, residents near the stadium were given seven days to remove buildings on public land.
He said that as a law-abiding citizen, he went to court within seven days and obtained an injunction. He said the hearing was held two weeks ago.
“The judge decided it would be better to extend the injunction for another six months to hear the entire case,” he said.
