Business came to a standstill in Nakuru Monday following the arrival of Repentance and Holiness Church leader Prophet David Owuor, as thousands of faithful streamed into the city.
A section of the usually busy Kenyatta Avenue was turned into a prayer ground for several hours, with congregants engaged in praise and worship outside the Merica Hotel after the church leader’s arrival.
Security agencies mounted heavy deployments at various entry points into the city centre while traffic police struggled to manage the unusually high volumes of human and car movement.
From the early morning hours, roads leading into Nakuru were choked with vehicles ferrying worshippers from different parts of the country, forcing motorists to slow to a crawl and, in some areas such as Section 58, bringing traffic to a complete halt.
The influx triggered a surge in business activity, particularly in the hospitality sector. Hotels along Kanu Street reported full bookings days before the prophet’s arrival. Several establishments turned away guests due to lack of space.
“We have been fully booked since midweek. Most of our rooms were reserved by church followers coming from outside Nakuru. They will be sleeping here and going to the church service,” said a hotel manager.
Food vendors at Menengai Grounds, the venue of the two-day healing and repentance crusade, are also among the biggest beneficiaries.
The usually quiet Menengai has been transformed into a hive of activity, with traders selling everything from cooked meals, bottled water to religious items and warm clothing for overnight worshippers. By Thursday evening, makeshift stalls dotted the expansive grounds as traders rushed to set up in anticipation of large crowds.
“This is our season,” said a food vendor who was busy preparing chapati and stew.
“We expect to sell for two days without rest. People have travelled long distances and they need food...we are here for them,” said Ms Mary Wambui.
Bodaboda riders were not left behind either. Since Monday, they have been ferrying thousands of worshippers from hotels, estates and bus termini to Menengai Grounds, charging premium fares as demand soars.
Public transport operators also adjusted routes to accommodate the swelling crowds, while residents reported delays in accessing parts of Nakuru due to road diversions and congestion.
Despite the disruption, many residents welcomed the economic boost brought by the gathering, describing it as a rare opportunity for small traders and service providers to cash in.
