Governor Mike Sonko’s haphazardness in closing down and
parroting a campaign of malice and threats against some top City night spots
has left the owners of the facilities and the many employees they employ
reeling in sheer losses and uncertainties.
After his announcement on social media, that City nightclubs
that allegedly cause noise disturbances in the estates will be closed down,
revelers and businessmen alike have strongly attacked the Governor and censured
him for the reckless and random way in which the exercise is being conducted.
Popular City clubs Space Lounge, B-Club, Kiza Lounge and the
swanky Jiweke Tavern have all come under immense attack after the environmental
regulatory body NEMA decided to shut them – and/or threatened to shut them –
for what was termed as noise pollution.
The Governor, whose Deputy resigned yesterday in a huff, has
found himself in some serious deep waters after Nairobians rose up in arms in
protest of the move to close down the clubs which have been in existence for
quite a long time.
“I have been going to Kiza Lounge and B-Club for years now.
Those clubs operate from the insides of a building and are both very
soundproofed. Infact, Kiza Lounge itself is on the 7th floor. What noise do it
pollute? To who?? ” posed Linda Wanjiru, on Facebook.
Martin Kimotho, a resident of Zimmerman, said, “In
Zimmerman, we have so many noisy clubs all around the estates. We also have
some very noisy mabati churches that blare loud music and keshas every week
disturbing the neighborhood. Why aren’t those clubs being shut down? Why don’t
the residents of Zimmerman matter to The Governor? This is all politics. You
cannot pretend to shut down clubs in rich neighborhoods and leave the noisiest
ones in the other estates. This is dirty politics! Simple and clear!”
The Governor, and the NEMA outfit have found themselves in a
tight spot after attracting rebuke and condemnation from Nairobians and
nightclub stakeholders.
“By closing down and snatching the licences of Jiweke
Tavern, Space Lounge, B-Club and Kiza Lounge, some 3,500 Kenyans have
effectively been rendered jobless and are now languishing at home. This is not
what job creation means Mr Governor,” a Club investor spoke in anonymity.
As the Nairobi politics heats up, Nairobians, most of whom
are regular and ardent patrons of Space Lounge, Jiweke Tavern et al, are
waiting to see what the Nairobi County Government does next.
