Several arrested as NEMA, Sonko intensify crackdown on nightclubs

Several people were on Friday evening arrested following a crackdown by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on night clubs that are flouting operation regulations.

The operation almost turned ugly at several joints after revelers confronted NEMA officers over what they termed as infringement on their rights.

At Jiweke Tavern, located off Ngong Road, NEMA officials were confronted by several revelers angered by the impromptu raid.

“These guys did not inform us about the court order. This is nonsense!” said an irate reveler who was captured on camera during the raid.

“What we have seen is that there is a lot of resistance especially from Jiweke and it’s a wakeup call for NEMA that we may have to ask for more officers to escort us during these operations,” said a NEMA official.

The operation was extended to the popular B-Club in Kilimani where the party had to come to an abrupt end.

Several people among them performers and revelers were arrested.

Efforts by the club’s management to produce a letter that had allegedly authorized their operations did not bear fruit.

Space Lounge was closed before the authority’s officials could inspect it.

NEMA now say they intend to tighten the noose among clubs in residential areas.

This was the second raid in one week after the NEMA officials raided Jiweke Tavern, The B club and Space Lounge on Thursday to inspect their sound proof systems.

The clubs were served with notice of closure following numerous complaints from residents over noise pollution by the clubs.

“The Authority has received numerous complaints over noise from members of the public caused by loud music from your facility that interferes with their comfort, health and safety contrary to the provisions of Environmental Management and Coordination Act CAP 387 and the Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution Control regulations of 2009,” read a letter dated January 10 and signed by NEMA Director General Geoffrey Wahungu.