Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu suspended the trading license of the Alchemist Bar in Westlands over allegations of racial discrimination and noise pollution.
However, this is not the first time racism allegations have rocked the establishment. In 2018, a party-goer had publicly accused the bar of not letting her sit in a specific area as it was “only meant for white people.”
Kananu made the decision after a video that went viral on Sunday showed the bar discriminating against the blacks.
The 25-seconds viral video showed a black man who appeared to be turned away from a queue with white customers, at the club’s entrance.
“I have directed county executive committee member for environment to institute a multiagency task force and a comprehensive report of the same to be made in the next five days,” Kananu said.
“After careful consultation with Nairobi County Government, The Alchemist has agreed to close its doors while a thorough investigation is conducted over the next few days,” read part of the statement.
On Monday, the management of Alchemist said that they were closing their doors to pave way for investigations into accusations of racism against clients.
According to an official statement from the management of the entertainment spot, the closure is a temporary measure to allow the Nairobi County Government to probe reported incidents of discrimination.
Apart from being the Governor, Kananu is a businesswoman and has invested in several nightclubs.
“I own several businesses, including nightclubs in Nairobi and other counties.” She had previously said.