Mtwapa: Ban on night disco at funerals draws anger

 The notice letter signed by one N. Kaloki noted that holding discos at night led to high drop-out rates among school-going children, especially girls

A row is brewing between disco operators and security personnel over a ban on night music at funerals.

State agencies banned the music claiming it contributes to insecurity and defilement of minors.

Yesterday, the Disco Owners Association termed the ban illegal, arguing that they were not consulted before the decision was made.

Speaking at Mtwapa, the association's chairman Lazarus Kazungu demanded that the ban be lifted, failure to which they will hold demonstrations.

"The Government issued the ban on disco at funerals without consulting us or engaging us in talks to strike a deal before its implementation. We demand the ban be lifted," said Mr Kazungu.

Mr Kazungu blamed parents for allowing children, mostly girls, to sneak out of their houses and spend nights in the discos.

The ban was issued by the Kilifi South sub-county administration office.

The notice letter signed by one N. Kaloki noted that holding discos at night led to high drop-out rates among school-going children, especially girls, who fall victim to early pregnancies.

Mr Kaloki further noted that night music denied school-going children an opportunity to concentrate on their studies, besides encouraging criminal activities.

Coast-based human rights activist Eric Mgonja termed the ban illegal, saying disco was a business like any other.

Mr Mgonja said the disco operators pay taxes to both county and national governments and as such, they should be allowed to operate without interference.

The activist said the ban was selective and discriminatory as it only affected Kilifi South sub-county and yet the county has seven sub-counties.

"The ban on discos at funerals is illegal because the operators pay taxes," he said.

Kilifi South sub-county administrator Peninah Dzombo declined to give details of the ban but admitted a notice had been issued.