Police officers raided the popular 1824 nightclub in Nairobi's Lang'ata area, days after Governor Johnson Sakaja ordered the closure of all bars in residential places.
During the Sunday, November 27 operation that was coordinated by City Hall and the National Police at night, revellers were kicked out and the entertainment joints shut down.
At around 9pm, Sakaja gave a clear signal that he was going to effect his order, issued on Friday November 25.
{"preview_thumbnail":"/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/BhUULOZEZjk.jpg?itok=hI7rqQdj","video_url":"","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}
"Last call. No nightclubs in residential areas," he wrote on his Twitter account.
In a video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the officers were seen pushing partygoers out of the club, commanding everyone to leave the premises.
In some cases, the armed officers appeared to use force, especially while handling individuals who appeared to resist their orders.
However, the raid drew mixed reactions, with Kenyans taking sides on whether nightclubs in estates should be shut down.
Others pointed out the likelihood of the crackdown leading to massive job losses as the establishments offer employment to thousands of young people.
"Some people have invested millions of shillings to set up those clubs and it is a source of livelihood for thousands of Kenyans. Why can't you give them 5 years notice to vacate or compensate them and then close? It's very painful to see them close abruptly," questioned Bernard Koech.
But for some, the decision to close bars in residential areas was long over due, at least for the sanity of city dwellers who endure rumbling noise every night.
“I am with you on kicking out bars from the Estates. May God protect you from the cartels those before you claimed that they deterred them from working for the Nairobi people. And you said they were just lazy and full of excuses. I am with you on this,” Charity Kihika commended Sakaja.
For football fans who were watching a mouthwatering clash between Germany and Spain at the World Cup, the raid was the least they expected from the authorities.
“Imagine having gone to watch the Spain Vs Germany World Cup game in 1824 then this happens,” Joseh poured out his frustrations.
On Friday, November 25, Sakaja banned all nightclubs from operating in residential areas. He also canceled the licenses issued and ordered his officers not to renew the permits for the aforementioned facilities.
"Henceforth, nightclub licenses will be issued to premises only within the Central Business District and specified streets in other non-residential areas," he stated.
