A boda boda rider from Katito in Kisumu County has become the latest millionaire in Coca-Cola’s funua flava under the crown promotion.
Jacob Ochieng Liech, 43, from Konyuro village, received the Sh1 million weekly prize at a colorful ceremony held at Katito Market on Thursday.
Ochieng could hardly hide his joy as he received the Sh1 million cheque in front of cheering friends, fellow riders and curious shoppers.
For years, he had been riding borrowed motorcycles before taking home what little remained.
The father of five said the win would transform his life, allowing him to finally buy his own motorcycle after years of hiring one at a daily fee.
“I will use this cash to buy my own motorcycle so that I can make good money. Before, I had to part with at least Sh 300 daily to the owner of the bike, which left me with very little,” Ochieng noted.
He added that part of the prize money would go into expanding his wife’s traditional mat-making business.
Ochieng’s journey to becoming a millionaire began when a friend encouraged him to participate in the promotion.
His first reward was 50MB of data, but he kept buying his favorite Stoney drink and sending codes until he received the call confirming he was a grand prize winner.
“At first, I didn’t believe it. I even disconnected the call. But after several follow-ups, I realized it was true,” he said.
Launched on August 15th by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Kenya, the Funua Flava Under the Crown promotion rewards consumers with instant airtime, data bundles and cash prizes, with weekly winners of Sh 1 million until November 15th.
To participate, consumers buy a 300ml glass bottle of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Stoney, Krest or Schweppes, check under the yellow cap for a unique code and SMS it to 40111.
Juliana Kituma, Director, Frontline Marketing, Kenya at Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise, said the campaign was designed to create memorable experiences.
“With this promotion, we have made it easy for people to win real prizes in real time. Airtime is delivered instantly and cash prizes are securely transferred to mobile wallets, making the process seamless,” she said.
Alfred Mabu, Revenue Growth and Trade Marketing Director for CCBA in Kenya, added:
“This campaign reflects our commitment to rewarding consumers for their loyalty and giving back in meaningful ways,”
Ochieng is the second winner of the Sh 1 million grand prize after Lauryne Jemutai Birir, a honey trader from Koriema village in Marigat, Baringo County.
Caption: L-R: Coca-Cola Bottler Kenya(CCBA) Regional Sales Manager for Nyanza region Winnie Maina, Funua Flava Pata Mita second winner and boda boda rider Jacob Ochieng with his wife Caroline Ochieng and Coca-Cola Bottler Kenya (CCBA)Experiential Manager Ampher Apidi at the handover of the Sh1 million cheque at Katito, Kisumu County.
