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Alchemist bar shuts down as probe into racism claims starts

Investigators will review if there was a policy in place to have separate queues guests

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by MANNY ANYANGO

News31 May 2022 - 06:42

In Summary


  • The club was accused of discriminating against its black customers.
  • "The investigations will review if there was a policy in place to have separate queues guests."
CCTV footage Screen grab

Nairobi's nightclub, the Alchemist has closed its doors pending investigations over racism claims that surfaced on social media over the weekend. 

The club was accused of discriminating against its black customers.

The joint, in a statement, said that after consultations with Nairobi County Government, they have decided to close its doors to allow thorough investigations. 

"After careful consultations with Nairobi County Government, the Alchemist has agreed to close its doors while a thorough investigation is conducted over the next few days."

On Monday, the club issued an apology and said that the management had reached out to the individuals who posted the video on social media to get more information on the incident. 

"To anyone that has felt aggrieved, we sincerely apologise and we look forward to sitting down together and addressing these issues head-on." 

"The investigations that will be conducted by the Nairobi County government will review the night of May 20, to determine if the guests in question were denied entry," the statement reads. 

During the time of its closure, there will be a review to determine if there has been any case of discrimination, and footage from the past events will also be reviewed. 

The video that circulated on social media showed the bouncers at the club had directed separate queues, allegedly according to their races. 

"This is racist, I swear... I wanted to record," a man was heard saying. 

The bar also released CCTV footage of that night. 

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