Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu has suspended the operating license of Alchemist Bar in Westlands, Nairobi, following racism claims and discrimination allegations.
On May 31, 2022, the Governor ordered a multi-agency investigation to be completed within five days to look into the allegations.
Alchemist Bar has agreed to close its doors temporarily to allow for the investigation, which will review an incident on May 20 where some guests claimed they were denied entry, a claim the bar refuted.
The investigation will also interview the guests in question, review video footage, and examine the bar's admission policy.
Alchemist Bar has been under scrutiny on social media after a video surfaced showing a black man being turned away from a queue with white customers at the club's entrance.
The bar has denied the claims, stating that everyone was let into the establishment, and released a clip from the controversial night showing a diverse group of people in both queues.
However, this is not the first time racism allegations have rocked the establishment, with a similar incident reported in 2018.
Alchemist Bar has apologized for any hurt caused and made clear their policy towards race and inclusivity, stating that the issue at the time was with rogue bouncers who would be removed from service.
