Alchemist bar trading license revoked by Kananu amid racism allegations

Besieged Alchemist Bar’s trading license has been revoked by Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu following discrimination allegations and noise pollution.

This comes after a video shared by a reveler circulated on social media showing the club segregating black customers.

Kananu has directed a probe of the reported incident and a comprehensive report to be tabled in her office in the next five days.

“I have directed county executive committee member for the environment to institute a multi-agency task force and a comprehensive report of the same to be made in the next five days,” Kananu said.

The City Hall also revealed that ten officials have been arrested and awaiting arraignment in a court of law. The bar is located in Westlands area of Nairobi.

Those behind the formation of the club have since shut down operations to pave way for investigations by the Nairobi County government.

The Alchemist bar team will also review and determine if there has ever been a policy of discrimination as well as assess third Party Security Services based on interviews and footage to determine what actions and recommendations should be made.

“Interviews and footage will be reviewed of the past events both at the gate and inside the establishment,” the management said as it stressed the need to “hire a new security team and develop new systems and processes to ensure that every single person feels welcome.”

“Based on the results of this investigation, Nairobi County Government will advise on the next step and procedures. We welcome this investigation, and will wait for their results.”

Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko expressed their disappointment with the entertainment hotspot.

“It’s illegal to discriminate against Kenyans on the Kenyan soil. Our freedom fighters died fighting racism. Under my administration, I will not have entertained such kind of nonsense.

I call upon president Uhuru Kenyatta and his administration to take necessary action. Otherwise, this Alchemist club in Westlands should be closed with immediate effect,” Sonko wrote on Facebook.

The Alchemist has since apologised for the incident, saying: “To anyone that has felt aggrieved, we sincerely apologise, and we look forward to sitting down together and addressing these issues head-on.”