A now-viral video of two pole dancers performing along Kenyatta Avenue has ignited heated debate online and drawn the sharp attention of Nairobi County Environment CEC Geoffrey Mosiria, who now wants the practice banned from the Central Business District.
The short clip, filmed in broad daylight, shows two women executing pole-dance routines to music as curious crowds gather.
Sharing it on his Instagram, a visibly shocked Mosiria said he had been inundated with messages from city residents urging him not to interfere with the hustle of the dancers.
“SHOCKING. I’ve just received the 79th message on my WhatsApp from a city resident, all of them saying the exact same thing as the previous 78… ‘Wanasema nisijaribu ku-interfere na hustle ya huyu babes hapa CBD!’” he wrote.
SHOCKING ‼️?
I’ve just received the 79th message on my WhatsApp from a City resident, all of them saying the exact same thing as the previous 78… “Wanasema nisijaribu ku-interfere na hustle ya huyu Babes hapa CBD!”
Jameni, I usually mind my own business, but sasa hapa naona… pic.twitter.com/meGteKX73m— Geoffrey Mosiria (@HonMosiria) November 16, 2025
He added that while he typically avoids controversy, this particular spectacle left him baffled.
“Jameni, I usually mind my own business, but sasa hapa naona itabidi mnisaidie kuelewa nini inaendelea… kabla hawa wasee wanichomee simu na strict warnings. Hii Nairobi imeanza kunitisha, huwa najionea maajabu.”
Mosiria said he had consulted widely and concluded that pole dancing in the CBD crosses a moral line, especially with children present.
“In order to protect our environment and morals, there are things that shouldn’t be entertained in the CBD where we have young children who must be shielded from such bad behaviours. We must draw clear boundaries on what is acceptable in public spaces, especially in a city that represents the face of our nation,” he warned.
Quoting the law, Mosiria went on to assure that action would be taken.
"Therefore, public stripping in the CBD is unlawful, immoral, and unacceptable, and action must be taken. Necessary action shall be taken to protect the city and its residents."
But many Kenyans online were not having it.
Within hours, the comment section was flooded with netizens defending the dancers and dismissing Mosiria’s call for a crackdown.
Many insisted Nairobi must embrace evolving forms of expression rather than criminalise them.
Instagram user @wythira_97 fired back: “Stop sexualizing pole dancing, it’s a sport like any other.”
Another wrote, "It’s pole dancing plus she must be very fit been able to do this, plus she is dressed fine for it .and can’t be doing this with long dresses or pants lol"
@simple_alloise added: “Hii ni gymnastics… muache aonyeshe talent yake. Si ata kuna dancers wanashake nyash kwa streets na huwasumbui.”
@unclesam.sk summed up the prevailing mood: “Kila mtu afanye kazi yake.”
