Court issue warrant of arrest against Habanos director Maurice Asira over contempt of court
The closure notice by NEMA came after persistent noise pollution complaints from area residents
Habanos Lounge director Maurice Asira is facing arrest after the Environment and Lands Court issued a warrant of arrest against him for flouting noise pollution orders that it issued.
A ruling issued last week by Justice Charles Mbogo directed the said the director of the Kiambu Road based entertainment joint defied the authority of the court, hence the issuance of the warrant.
The judge stressed that the disobedience was serious and that the court would not allow its orders to be undermined, warning that firm action was necessary to prevent similar defiance in the future.
“The 1st respondent is in total disobedience of this court’s orders and undermines the authority of the court. Such conduct will be dealt with firmly to prevent future defiance,” he stated in his ruling.
He directed the arrest of Asira, adding that he be produced in court to face the consequences of contempt of court.
“I find merit in the notice of motion dated April 7, 2025, and I therefore direct that the managing director for Taks & M Habanos Chill & Grill Limited Maurice Asira, the first respondent in the case be arrested and arraigned in court on October 22, 2025 and show cause why he should not be committed to prison or otherwise penalized for contempt of court. I make no orders as to costs,” the judge added in his ruling.
The warrant of arrest by the court against the director comes months after the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) ordered the immediate closure of the popular nightclub in April.
The closure notice by NEMA came after persistent noise pollution complaints from area residents.
The environment agency cited the club’s repeated failure to comply with prior directives aimed at reducing noise levels despite several warnings and engagements.
“NEMA issued a closure order to Habanos Lounge, located along Northern Bypass, following persistent noise complaints from neighbors and failure by the club to adhere to previous orders to control noise pollution. The orders are to take effect immediately.”
