Public service, Gender and affirmative action cabinet secretary Aisha Jumwa has lifted the ban on disco Matanga in Kilifi.
The then-interior cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i imposed the ban in 2019 after over 17, 000 cases of teenage pregnancies were reported in the county.
Speaking at Water grounds in Kilifi when she officially launched the 16 days of activism, Jumwa said the ban has negatively affected the disco operators' businesses.
While lifting the ban, Jumwa ordered the police to arrest minors who will be found in the disco matangas.
“We promised to uplift small businesses and not kill them. The ban has deprived many people of their livelihoods hence I lift the ban on disco matanga. Minors should not be allowed in these functions. Police should arrest those who are found attending the functions,” she said
The CS said most parents have neglected their responsibility and blame the government for their failure.
“As a parent, you should always know where your child is. When the child leaves home for these functions where is the parent? Do not abscond your duties and allow your child to roam around then you blame disco matanga. If we arrest a few parents and charge them then this matter will get a solution,” she added
Teresia Bwire, a civil society officer said if the ban is lifted, the sale of alcohol and other drugs in the disco matanga should be regulated.
A senior police officer in Kilifi said the order to arrest children might not work as it contravenes some sections of the law.
“You cannot round up and arrest children. You cannot detain them because you do not know when the parents will come for them. Mostly they may refuse to come knowing that after some hours they will be released,” said the officer on condition of anonymity.
