Nairobi residents block restaurant entrance in protest against noise
By Nyaboga KiagePolice in Nairobi have launched investigations into an incident that took place on the night of Saturday, December 9, 2023, when residents of Waterfront Garden Estate blocked the entrance to the Qaribu Inn joint in protest at what they said was noise pollution.
The residents drove their vehicles to the entrance of the joint and parked them there as they protested against the noise emanating from the busy joint.
The revellers, who were having a good time inside the joint, realised too late that they could not get out after the entrance was blocked.
Nairobi News is in possession of amateur videos showing officers from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) trying in vain to force residents to move their vehicles away from the entrance.
The three officers, who were even wearing masks, were seen carrying firearms and walking around, trying in vain to scare the residents away.
According to the residents, they had approached the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on several occasions over the issue, but were ignored.
“We have always approached NEMA to address the issue but they have always ignored us. We were left with no option but to take action ourselves,” said Mr Kairo Kiarie.
Another resident, Ms Jane Mwikali, said she had always been forced to sleep with her headphones on, but this was still not the solution.
Ms Mwikali said she was always disturbed because even her daughter found it very difficult to study when schools were in session.
“Imagine, my daughter is trying to concentrate and study but the noise is all over the house. It is very unfair and something should be done about it,” she said.
Home Affairs PS Mr Raymond Omollo said the matter was already being investigated and a communication would be made in due course.
“Investigations are ongoing and we will issue a communication later,” he told the media on Sunday.