Many residents could be seen glued to television screens in shops, hotels and restaurants or scrolling through their phones for updates, their faces reflecting deep sorrow.
The air is subdued, conversations soft, and even the music from nearby stalls plays low in respect.
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Kisumu residents follow the proceedings of the Late Raila Odinga's activities in Nairobi/Faith Matete
A sombre calm has settled over Kisumu as residents slowly return to their routines following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Along Oginga Odinga Street and around the Kisumu Boys roundabout, shops have reopened, matatus are back on the roads, and traders are attending to customers, though the usual vibrancy of the city is missing.
Many residents could be seen glued to television screens in shops, hotels and restaurants or scrolling through their phones for updates, their faces reflecting deep sorrow.
The air is subdued, conversations soft, and even the music from nearby stalls plays low in respect.
Jane Onyango, a fruit vendor near the roundabout, said she decided to open her stall but admitted it didn’t feel like an ordinary day.
“We are working, yes, but our hearts are heavy. It feels like we’ve lost a father,” she said quietly, eyes fixed on her phone.
While calm prevails across the city, Kisumu remains united in mourning, its streets carrying an unmistakable sense of loss for the man many here regarded as their greatest son.
At the Kisumu boys roundabout, passersby and bodaboda operators were glued to the screens along the Streets to follow the happenings in Nairobi.
“When you go to a restaurant or hotel to follow this procedure, you are required to buy something. So we are following this despite the screens not having sound, but it's better ".
Mark Oluoch said the city is dull and not full of life.
"You can see for yourself, it's not the usual Kisumu; many people preferred staying in their homes to follow what is happening in Nairobi. You can see most shops are closed," he said at the Bus park.
Others were yet to come to terms with the loss, with one local saying all they are waiting for is to see the body of Raila in Kisumu, and that's when they will believe.
"We are waiting for Raila in Kisumu on Saturday. On Friday, we will not sleep, we want to confirm this," Maxwell Litwaji said.
Kisumu residents following the proceedings of the Late Raila Odinga's activities in Nairobi/Faith Matete Kisumu locals following the proceedings of the late Raila Odinga's activities in Nairobi./Faith Matete
Kisumu locals following the proceedings of the late Raila Odinga's activities in Nairobi./Faith Matete
