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The recent fight against noise pollution in Kilimani area is shrouded in business rivalries and genuine complains.
The Nairobian has learnt after City Hall closed down Space Lounge Bar and Grill along Ngong Road on November 9. This followed complains from residents claiming the multi-million club’s loud music was giving them restless nights.
Nairobi county government also revoked its two licenses, but the management read mischief in the move by City Hall.
“We have put sound proof materials. It is surprising that residents residing kilometres away claim to be having sleepless nights because of us. Is it logical?” poses Space Lounge director John Gitonga, adding that he can’t figure out how “Of all clubs along Kindaruma Road” these residents figured out “it is Space Lounge making noise and not the others”.
Space Lounge was ordered to cease operations on October 27 over non-compliance on county noise levels following a court order in August that stopped their operations pending determination of a noise pollution case filed by some residents.
The club’s single business permit was revoked on September 22. Its liquor license expired on October 8 and was not renewed as “Area residents are still annoyed and disturbed by the noise emitted by your business.
You have not complied with county noise level directives. The county hereby declines your application for liquor license,” charged the Nairobi County government.
The club management has since challenged the move in court.
Gitonga alleges that “Many residents are comfortable with us and they come in big numbers.
We are being fought by a clique of activists with the help of deputy governor Jonathan Mueke,” who is fighting Space Lounge to prop his friends who have invested in similar ventures in the area.
“What is Mueke’s interest on this matter? Why did he party with Kilimani foundation members after the court stopped our operations?” wonders Gitonga.
But Mueke disputed the accusations, arguing, “When over 100 people cannot have peaceful sleep because of the club, what do I do? I sit pretty and watch them suffer?
I am paid to protect interest of all and I am not being personal.”
