Kisumu was on Friday a deserted town as businesses closed down for Christmas festivities after recording profits over the past week.
Streets were almost empty with hardly any traffic contrary to the usual activity buzz.
Offices also remained closed as city employees travelled upcountry to join families in festivities.
A handful of shoppers who had dodged the human traffic in retail chains were the only ones seen making early morning purchases in big retail chains that remained open to serve them.
The week to December 25 witnessed super profits for businesses as shoppers readied for the annual festivities that are usually marked with feasts as families reunite.
The heavy traffic witnessed on the roads and in supermarkets was translated into massive congregations.
Prevailing fears of crowded places were thwarted as faithful flocked churches where the churches preached unity and peace as vital to tackling national insecurity challenges that have in the past few months rocked the nation.
Politicians trooped back to the counties to mark the celebrations with their voters and made fresh promises of improving their lives.
In the villages, it was a time of cheer as residents united with their ‘town’ relatives. The festivities were marked in the death of several cockerels and goats.
Local farmers peaked their profits as demand for greens and livestock soared.