Nairobi: Kisumu City fell silent for the second consecutive day as businesses, banks, and supermarkets remained shut on Saturday, in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. From Oginga Odinga Street to the bustling Kibuye Market, shop shutters stayed down, streets were deserted, and the usual hum of commerce gave way to somber hymns and chants as residents gathered to pay their final respects to the fallen statesman.
According to Kenya News Agency, the rare calm came as Raila’s body arrived in the Lakeside City, aboard a Kenya Air Force aircraft, for public viewing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Mamboleo. Thousands of mourners lined the streets waving flags, portraits, and twigs as security officers kept vigil at strategic points, to ensure the exercise runs smoothly.
Many traders said they chose to keep their doors closed out of respect and to avoid potential chaos, with fears of looting lingering in the wake of massive crowds that had poured into the city. ‘We decided not to open today. It’s a day of mourning, and the crowd is too big to take any chances,’ said Beatrice Achieng, a boutique owner along Oginga Odinga Street. Hotels and eateries that would normally brim with activity, also joined in the solemn mood.
Leading supermarket chains such as Naivas, Carrefour, and Quickmart remained closed, while major banks, including KCB, Co-operative Bank, and Equity kept their branches shut. Security agencies maintained a heavy presence across the city, with police patrols stationed around key installations, including the Kisumu Central Business District, Central Bank of Kenya, Kibuye Market, and Kondele Roundabout, which has in the past witnessed unrest during emotionally charged political moments.
Several traders said the decision to remain closed was also driven by memories of past incidents, when large gatherings occasionally turned chaotic. Some recounted how mobs had previously taken advantage of similar occasions to loot shops, forcing many to prioritize caution over business. ‘We all respect Baba, but crowds can get unpredictable. It’s better to lose a day or two of business than lose everything,’ said Samuel Onyango, who operates an electronics stall near the main bus park.
The lull, he said, is expected to persist for the next couple of days as residents come to terms with the death of the former PM. However, hotel owners recorded booming business as mourners from other parts of the country, book in for food and accommodation. Jackson Otieno, who manages a chain of Airbnbs in the City, said bookings had peaked by Thursday, as mourners travelled from across the country. ‘Almost all facilities are full. The mood in Kisumu is emotional, everyone wants to be part of history,’ he said.
The former PM’s body touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium at 8:45 am and was scheduled to be moved to Bondo by road. However, given the overwhelming turnout, the Organising Committee extended the time to allow all mourners to view the body, which was thereafter airlifted to his Bondo home, ahead of the final rites and burial on Sunday.