Popular nightclub 1824 in Lang'ata shut down

Videos and photos doing rounds online show unidentified individuals carting away furniture and other materials from the club as uniformed police look on.

The club's signature whisky barrel tables can be seen strewn all over the front area as a policeman looks around. 

The closure comes four months after a court froze assets belonging to Wilson Nahashon Kanani, who owns the renowned party spot. 

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) told an anti-corruption court that Kanani, a City Hall staffer was in possession of Ksh.643 million assets on a measly Ksh.55,000 salary.

In 2022, Lady Justice Esther Maina granted orders to allow the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to complete investigations into claims the employee, through his office, received bribes and kickbacks thereby accumulating the money as well as other assets among them two high-end motor vehicles.

According to court documents, although the employee earned a net monthly salary of Sh55,000, he received and channelled Ksh.506 million through bank accounts held in his name and family members between January 2016 and October 2022. 

This is not the first time 1824 has faced closure - it was previously raided by police in 2022 following a directive to close all bars in residential areas causing, as usual, an online gossip frenzy.

The club had also been closed in 2020 for flouting Covid-19 regulations.

1824 is one of the oldest and most notable icons of Nairobi's nightlife. Despite being located in Lang'ata, the club's influence and popularity extend beyond the area with people from all corners of the city trooping to the club for its reputable entertainment menu.