The Alchemist bar in Nairobi's Westlands district has suspended operations pending an investigation into racial discrimination allegations, according to a statement from the Nairobi County Government.
The closure follows reports of segregated entry queues at the venue, with a viral video showing a Black patron allegedly denied access alongside white and Indian customers. The 25-second clip, shared by Twitter user Murgor, depicts a Black man being directed away from a queue occupied by white and Indian patrons.
"Last week when I went to Alchemist there was a line for white and Indian people separate from the blacks. One black guy tried using the line akachujwa immediately," Murgor said in the video. The bar denied the claims, asserting all guests were admitted without prejudice.
The County Government will review video footage from May 20, 2021, and interview witnesses to determine if discriminatory practices occurred. Investigators will also examine the venue's security protocols and past incidents, including a 2018 allegation where a patron claimed exclusion from a section labeled "only for white people." Alchemist attributed that incident to rogue bouncers who were later removed.
In a social media statement, the bar acknowledged the need for improved systems. "The last few days have shown us that we have much work to do to hire a new security team and develop new systems and processes to ensure that every single person feels welcome," management said.
