This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
On a typical Sunday evening, residents of Kayole in Nairobi would be enjoying themselves at local bars. However, on October 6, 2019, the atmosphere was tense as police officers descended on two popular bars, Kisima and Spiders, in a raid that left many shaken.
According to eyewitnesses, the officers stormed into the bars, intimidating revelers and employees. CCTV footage captured the hour-long ordeal, which included the officers using water to hose down the bars, smashing counters, and destroying drinks.
‘Vile waliingia hakuna kitu waliitisha, walituosha na maji na wakavunja counter na pombe zote na wakabomoa hadi madirisha wakituambia bunduki imepotea…,’ said Hellen Mwende, an employee at Kisima bar.
The raid, which began at 9pm, was allegedly carried out without warning, leaving the employees and patrons in a state of panic. The officers, according to eyewitnesses, were armed and used excessive force, leaving many injured.
‘Walituitisha pesa ile tumeuza tukawaambia sisi hatujui pesa iko wapi sisi ni wafanyakazi. Wakatupiga na kutumwagilia maji, wakavunja counter na kuturushia machupa, nikapiga nduru wakaniekea bunduki wakasema ‘ata kuua tunaua’…,’ said Lucy Wangari, an employee at Spiders bar.
The incident has left many residents of Kayole living in fear, with some claiming that this is not an isolated case. According to Charles Muriuki, a businessman in Kayole, the government is using police to harass its citizens.
According to Kayole OCPD Henry Kosgey, the operation was to crack down on bars operating illegally. However, the mode in which it was carried out has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the use of excessive force.
The night of the operation saw many people arrested, who were later transferred to City Hall on Monday morning. The residents claim that they were charged with being drunk and disorderly, and were forced to do community work for two hours before being released.
