Ombeta schools Sakaja about the law after club raids

Piece by: DENNIS MILIMO

29 November 2022

• Ombeta pointed out that the Nairobi County boss will be sued for damages by owners of the said clubs.

Lawyer Cliff Ombeta has weighed in after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja Okayed the raid on nightclubs operating in residential areas.

In a statement via his official Twitter handle, Ombeta said that Sakaja should be prepared for lawsuits as the operation to eradicate noise pollution in residential areas gets momentum.

Ombeta pointed out that the Nairobi County boss will be sued for damages by owners of the said clubs.

“Please clarify. I can see you being sued for Damages.

“Once a change of user has been made from residential to commercial, it is no longer a residential place. That particular unit becomes commercial and if licences had been given and paid for, then you are in a fix bro,” Ombeta said.

On Sunday night, Nairobi City council officers began the raid on nightclubs operating in residential areas.

One of the causalities of the crackdown was a popular club along Lang’ata Road where officers are seen entering the establishment to clear revelers from the club.

The Nairobi Governor fired his last warning shot Sunday night "Last call. No Nightclubs in Residential areas."

Governor Sakaja on Friday cancelled licenses for nightclubs operating in residential areas following a public uproar over noise pollution.

He said henceforth his administration will not issue or renew licenses for nightclubs in residential areas.

He hence added that those that already exist will now function only as bars and restaurants, operating only within specific times.

Sakaja said the move follows complaints from the public over noise pollution from bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and liquor-selling premises.

“From now on, no nightclub licenses will be issued or renewed for premises operating within the residential areas,” Sakaja said.

City Hall said on Friday it has cancelled licences for the establishments in residential areas following an uproar from the public.

"Playing of music must stop by 10 pm and all the liquor outlets to provide parking space for their clients because we will impound vehicles causing obstruction along roads and footpaths."