Caption: L-R: Coca-Cola Bottler Kenya (CCBA) Regional Sales Manager for Nyanza region Winnie Maina, Funua Flava Sh1 million winner and boda boda rider Jacob Ochieng with his wife Caroline Ochieng, and CCBA Experiential Manager Ampher Apidi during the cheque handover at Katito Market, Kisumu County.
By Alex Wekesa
KISUMU, Kenya (Sept. 6, 2025)
For years, Jacob Ochieng Liech’s life revolved around borrowed motorcycles, long rides and the daily sting of handing over Sh300 to the bike’s owner.
On Thursday, the 43-year-old father of five swapped that routine for a millionaire’s smile after winning Sh1 million in Coca-Cola’s Funua Flava under-the-crown promotion.
Ochieng, a boda boda rider from Konyuro village in Katito, Kisumu County was handed the giant cheque at a colorful ceremony at Katito Market.
Friends, fellow riders and curious shoppers turned up in droves some to cheer, others to confirm whether a boda boda rider really could become a millionaire.
“I will use this money to finally buy my own motorcycle. Before, I was basically working for someone else every day. Now, at least the profits — and the fuel bills — will be mine,” Ochieng said with a chuckle.
Part of the prize, he added, would go toward expanding his wife’s traditional mat-making business.
“At least now she won’t tell me I only bring home dust from the road,” he joked.
Ochieng’s road to riches started when a friend urged him to participate in the promotion.
His first prize was 50MB of data hardly enough to stream a football match but he kept trying until his persistence paid off.
“At first, I thought it was one of those fake calls, so I hung up. But when they kept calling back, I figured even scams don’t try that hard,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Launched on August 15 by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Kenya, the Funua Flava promotion offers instant airtime, data bundles and weekly Sh1 million cash prizes until November 15.
Consumers simply buy a 300ml glass bottle of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Stoney, Krest or Schweppes, check under the yellow cap for a code and send it via SMS to 40111.
Juliana Kituma, director of frontline marketing at Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise, said the campaign was built to create “real joy in real time.”
“With this promotion, people win instantly.
Airtime is delivered straight away, and cash prizes are securely transferred to mobile wallets. No waiting, no suspense,” she said.
Alfred Mabu, CCBA’s revenue growth and trade marketing director in Kenya, said the campaign reflects Coca-Cola’s commitment to rewarding loyal consumers.
Ochieng is the second grand prize winner, following Lauryne Jemutai Birir, a honey trader from Baringo County.
