Pomp, colour as Kisumu hosts Christmas street festival
Residents of Kisumu city watch fireworks display during the Kisumu City Christmas street festival on December 24, 2021.
What you need to know:
- Mr Odinga’s arrival at about 7.30pm excited the crowd before the event kicked off.
- The ODM leader lauded the county government for organising the event.
Hundreds of Kisumu residents braved a chilly Friday night and converged for a Christmas street festival as part of celebrations to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
The event was preceded by a car free day that saw vehicles barred from accessing the lakeside city's CBD the whole day, which resulted in a heavy traffic jam as motorists opted for alternative routes.
The car-free day, however, provided a rare opportunity for the residents to freely walk along sections of the busy Oginga Odinga, Jomo Kenyatta and Ang’awa street while traders lined up the avenues to display their wares.
Young skaters also caught the attention of members of the public who lined up the pathways to enjoy the spectacle.
James Okoth, while expressing gratitude to the county government, said the non-motorised transport has witnessed a huge number of people getting into the major streets.
“This has made us more visible and tremendously promoted our business,” he said.
The event also saw a number of establishments pitching tents on the major roads including hotels, learning institutions and hawkers selling different commodities.
Coca-Cola Christmas caravan, on the other hand, displayed an iconic Santa Claus complete with Christmas carols and local music as they entertained the residents who started milling on the streets from 10am.
Kisumu County askaris also entertained the guests through their elaborate matching parade along Oginga Odinga street.
Not even the late evening showers could dampen the spirits of the residents who had gathered at the KCB roundabout to witness the official unveiling of the day by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
ODM leader Raila Odinga addresses residents of Kisumu during the Kisumu City Christmas street festival on December 24, 2021.
Mr Odinga’s arrival at about 7.30pm excited the crowd before the event kicked off with awarding and recognition of some of the major partners who have contributed for the betterment of the lakeside city’s economy.
The ceremony was followed by short speeches from Kisumu Central MP Fred Ouda, Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabir, Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo and Prof Nyong’o.
The ODM leader lauded the county government for organising the event and underlined the need to remember the less fortunate in the society.
The elaborate fireworks display caused excitement as residents witnessed the unique opportunity marked on the streets.
Residents of Kisumu city who thronged the KCB roundabout during the Kisumu City Christmas street festival on December 24, 2021.
While the official ceremony ended some minutes to 9pm, the entertainment continued until midnight as revelers waited to usher in Christmas.
This saw some restaurants and supermarket chains extending their business hours to serve the residents who jammed the streets.
Others welcomed the day at the venue which was secluded for live band along Oginga Odinga street.
