The Central Business District of Mombasa which is normally very busy was quiet in an unusual manner on Friday when Kenya held a public holiday in memory of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga. It was almost a complete shutdown of activities except for a few traders who defied the closure orders by keeping their businesses running and they said that the economic environment was their reason for doing so.
Those who operated their businesses said that they could not close even for a moment given their low-income situation and high prices of goods and yet they felt it was a solemn day. “Business has been difficult, and we have to think of every day,” one trader said. “We respect Baba’s memory, but we also have to survive in these difficult times.”
In the meantime, they went on with their businesses but traders could not hide their grief over the loss of the seasoned opposition leader whom they characterized as a hero who continually strived for democracy, justice, and the rights of the common mwananchi.
Besides that, they called on the people of Kenya to keep their composure and be united while mourning and they argued that living peacefully and being patriotic are the best ways of paying tribute to Raila.
Raila Odinga, who was best known for his unrelenting struggle for multi-party democracy and devolution, is still being mourned throughout the country where thousands are honoring his dedication to a just and equitable Kenya throughout his life.
