NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) have strongly condemned the violent incident at Kettle House Bar and Grill, which left journalists and police officers injured.
NACADA Chairman Stephen Mairori emphasized the legal empowerment of journalists and law enforcement officers to carry out their duties without facing threats, intimidation, or violence. He stated that criminal charges have been filed against the offenders and they will be arraigned in court to answer to various charges related to the assault.
KUJ Secretary General Erick Oduor underscored journalists’ right to serve society and called on law enforcement to take appropriate action in response to the incident.
The altercation unfolded when officials targeted the establishment for permitting patrons to smoke shisha, a prohibited activity in Kenya. Journalists and police officers sustained injuries during the confrontation, and some had their equipment damaged.
The incident also resulted in the recovery of a knife suspected to have been used in the stabbings, leading to the arrest of 21 individuals.
The Kettle House Bar and Grill had previously faced complaints from neighbors about loud music, prompting action during the recent raid against shisha. NACADA’s CEO Antony Omerikwa and Head of Enforcement Nicholas Kosgei led the operation, resulting in several arrests and the recovery of shisha pots. Shisha has been banned in Kenya since 2017, with penalties including fines starting at Ksh 50,000 or a minimum jail term of six months.
In conclusion, the violent incident at the Kettle House Bar and Grill has sparked condemnation from NACADA and KUJ, with efforts being made to hold the offenders accountable for their actions. The recovery of a knife and the arrest of individuals involved highlight the seriousness of the situation, as authorities continue to crack down on illegal activities such as shisha smoking in the country.