You have our support - Ruto tells Sakaja about ban on nightclubs

President William Ruto has assured Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja that his government is in full support of the ban on clubs in residential areas.

Speaking on Monday, President Ruto urged Sakaja to keep noise away from residential areas.

"Just to assure my young brother Sakaja of Nairobi that please keep the noise away from our children. You have our support. I know I have discussed with you this before and you have my support in ensuring that we reorganize the city, that we work for all those city residents and ensure that the standards of the city of Nairobi are the standards of the capital city of Kenya " President Ruto said.

The statement comes hours after 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.

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.

The statement added that; "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."

However, lawyer turned-politician Cliff Ombeta warned Sakaja that he will be sued by owners of the clubs for damages.

 “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.