Violent closure of Simmers bar and restaurant raises suspicions among Kenyans

National Environment Management Agency (NEMA) and City Hall Enforcement Unit on Friday, March 2 shocked Nairobians with the closure of popular drinking joint Simmers restaurant in the CBD over noise pollution claims. The move follows NEMA’s crackdown on various popular clubs and bars around Nairobi in a bid to curb noise pollution.

Bystanders watched as the club’s employees guarded their property which was thrown out in the rain in the evening incident. Simmers restaurant is known for its popular clientele, the young and middle-aged money loaded kind both local and international.

The joint’s owner, former Kimilili MP Suleiman Murunga said that police stormed in with orders to shut down without first warning him. “The police have stormed here, and instead of being an arbiter they have come with orders that have not even been served on me. This is impunity!” he said.

Mr. Murunga has run the premise for over two decades now.

Jiweke Tavern, Kiza lounge, Space Lounge bar and popular hangout joint B-club are among clubs that were first affected by NEMA’s crackdown.

The evasion and closure of Simmers, however, raised questions among Kenyans including leaders.A majority felt that the ordeal was more than just an act to curb noise pollution.

Here are what some said on Twitter;