The fiesta may have been about fish and ecotourism, but the big draw was a three-and-a-half metre-long legendary python said to have brought good luck to the region.
Traditionalists worshipped the serpent and made sacrifices to it.
Kisumu residents and visitors were treated to public viewing of the legendary snake Omieri during the county’s signature event, the annual Fish Fiesta.
Residents were joyful and awed by the still-majestic python that is deeply rooted in the region’s cultural history.
The snake, which is normally preserved at the National Museums of Kenya, arrived at Lakeside City on Wednesday at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Grounds.
A grass-thatched mud-walled structure was specifically made and Omieri put in a glass case filled with liquid preservative for public viewing
Curious residents young, and old, thronged venue to see the ‘magical’ serpent that most had only heard of through books, schools and folklore.
Jeffery Obonyo told the Star he was happy to have finally been able to view Omieri, after reading about the famous snake as he grew up.
"Though I expected an enormous creature, but at least it was a bit huge. So seeing Omieri made my day and at least I now know why it was famous among the Luo community.”
Obonyo said he is not fond of snakes but it was fascinating to see this dead one.
"I had a lot of weird imaginings of what I would do if I accidentally bumped into Omieri when it was alive. But at least I contained myself as I stared at the most famous snake."
Resident Joab Wanyonyi said counties across Kenya should ensure their culture is not lost.
"We have seen the excitement that has swept Kisumu with the showcasing of Omieri and people have come from different areas just to have a glimpse and learn about the snake. This should be done more often.
Resident Martha Onyango, an elderly woman, said the snake brought good tidings to the community from ages past.
Describing it as Nya Nyakach’ (daughter of Nyakach), Onyango said the Luo have witnessed and experienced untold suffering following the death of the snake in a bushfire 37 years ago in Nyakach subcounty
She said famine, poverty and misfortune have stalked the region since the famous serpent died.
“It’s time the county thought of ensuring Omieri returns home to its people for good," she said.
Since its death, the snake has been preserved at the National Museums of Kenya. This was the second time the snake was returned to Kisumu for viewing. The first time it was displayed was in 2018.
During an earlier press briefing Kisumu, Executive Committee member for Tourism and Trade Faridah Salim said exhibition of the legendary Omieri was meant to rekindle the ancient tales and wisdoms it embodies.
He said Omieri reminds them of the delicate balance between humans and nature and that residents should protect their surroundings.
Nyakach paramount elder Ogongo Yano told the media, "The community received bumper harvest, lots of rains among other benefits while Omieri was still alive.”
His death brought many hard times and problems, the people said.
Yano said the community has frequently asked the national government to have Omieri’s body returned to Nyakach for preservation within the subcounty. He said they opposed Omieri being showcased in the capital city.
He said the community had already donated land to build a snake park to display Omieri’s remains.
During the three-day event, stakeholders had plenary discussions of the fish value chain, tourism and economic envelopment of the blue economy
Topics included flavours of Lake Victoria and fishing tourism as an opportunity for sustainable development. Entertainment featured vibrant rhythms and melodies as well as dances. Prizes were awarded.
They included Mr and Miss Strong, Mr and Miss Tourism, Luo Traditional Wrestling and traditional dragon boat racing, among other competitions. There were exhibitions of the city’s rich heritage.
Through the Grand Fish Fiesta, the county aimed to not only celebrate Lake Victoria and the fish value chain but also to promote sustainable tourism, economic empowerment and cultural exchange within the community and beyond.
The sky was illuminated by fireworks on Saturday night.