Police raid entertainment joints in Nairobi over noise pollution concerns
The police, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) officers with the assistance of members of the public raided various entertainment joints in Kileleshwa following complaints of noise pollution by residents.
In an operation meted on Oyster bar, Bar next door, Club 909, Kettle bar and Onex bar, dozens of civilians were arrested with over 35 Shisha pots confiscated and taken to Central Police station.
The operation comes after Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly Robert Alai wrote a letter to the Director of Liquor Licensing Nairobi County, complaining of entertainment joints which he termed as noisy.
“On behalf of the residents of Kileleshwa Ward, I wish to plead with your able office to immediately reign in on the listed entertainment joints that are not only being a nuisance through noise and air pollution but are also becoming a den of prostitution, drug peddlers and social delinquents,” Alai wrote.
Alai quizzed the approval business licenses by some of the joints alluding that some were not legally approved.
He questioned those who approved their operation stating that the current 12,500 licensed joints were too many compared to the other cities worldwide as prescribed according to World Cities Forum report in 2020.
“The residents have informed me that they have variously petitioned the Nairobi City County through the Kileleshwa Ward Neighbourhood Association (KIWANA) or directly without much success. We urge the planning department to setup special entertainment districts within the Nairobi City so that residential areas don’t turn into vice hubs,” he added.
The suspects are in custody and exhibits held by NEMA officials awaiting to be arraigned before City Court tomorrow.
