Booming business in Bondo ahead of send-off

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Bondo, Kenya: Businesses in Bondo town received a major boost as visitors flocked there ahead of Fidel Odinga’s burial Saturday.

A spot check by The Standard on Saturday in the town revealed supermarkets, transport operators and hotels were enjoying good business. Paul Otieno, a motorbike operator in the town, said they are expecting good money as visitors flock ahead of Fidel’s burial.

“Much as we are mourning, business has been good since yesterday as mourners make their way to Bondo, which is Fidel’s final resting place. We normally charge between Sh100 to Sh150 from town to Raila’s home, but because of demand, the price has shot to Sh300,” said Otieno.

He said since there will be huge traffic, motorbikes will be the fastest means of transport to the burial venue.

In the typical manner of remembering heroes, souvenirs like badges, calendars and portraits of the late Fidel Odinga are also on sale in town.

One of the vendors, Joseph Ochieng’, said the badges go for Sh50.

“Business is good. I sold more than 300 badges yesterday and I look forward to selling more today to the guests,” said Ochieng’.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that more than 20 animals are expected to be slaughtered today.

Security officers had a busy day preparing the sitting arrangement and putting in place security systems.

At the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University’s pavilion, the workers had a busy day yesterday as they put the final touches to ensure everything goes smoothly.