This archive report was first published on 17 May 2021.
On May 17, 2021, a group of over 200 protesters, led by local leaders Hemed Salama and Mwalimu Hamadi, converged at Mshale grounds in Likoni to demand answers from local security officials regarding the continued operation of the Bidi Badu Club, despite a closure order issued a month prior.
When businessman Hashim Bidibadu arrived with his entourage, a heated exchange ensued, with Bidibadu accusing local leaders of jealousy over his thriving business, which had employed over 50 youths. He also denied allegations of evading closure in Diani due to his business practices, instead attributing it to a legal dispute with an influential tycoon.
However, local leaders maintained that the club's operations were a threat to the community, citing concerns over noise pollution, sanitation, and alleged 'dirty games' being played inside the club, which they claimed were against Islamic culture.
As tensions escalated, a fistfight broke out between the two groups, with local leaders vowing to mobilize residents to march on the club and demand the eviction of its owners.
A letter dated April 5, 2021, from the Likoni sub-county public health officer, Ali Swaleh, outlined several issues with the club's management, including high congestion and lack of proper sanitation, which led to its initial closure.
