While club owners are probably counting their festive season profits, one club in Nakuru is reading from a different script thanks to an incident that has left an ugly stain on the establishment.

All was well at Nax Vegas club until the night of December 13, 2023, when a police officer opened fire inside the club, killing two people.

Business has never been the same since.

Read: More than one firearm may have been used in Vegas club shooting, Nakuru court told

David Ondimu, the manager of Nax Vegas, says the club never closed after the shooting, but they have had a hard time.

"We have employees who have resigned, there are people who might come for a day or two and then they stop coming. There is that aspect of trauma, sometimes you can just look at the staff when there is not much work and see that they are uncomfortable and not well," said Mr Ondimu.

Attracting customers to the club has also been difficult, with most fearing a repeat of the incident.

"We used to have these regulars, but now those who come are only a few real friends who you can call to come and promote your business. There are those who do not even use Oginga Odinga Avenue when they go to or come from the city, they choose other routes. Especially those who were here that night, it has left them emotionally scarred," he said.

Read: Life of Nakuru police officer in Vegas club shooting at risk, court told

Mr Ondimu says that they have now beefed up security to ensure that nothing like this happens again.

The news of the shooting was a hot topic of discussion in Nakuru, leaving many in shock.

The impact of the shooting has also been felt by other club owners who have had to come up with new strategies to ensure the safety of their patrons.

"We usually have security personnel keeping a close eye on those we allow to have guns, and in the event of any altercation, the security personnel rush in to de-escalate the situation," said Culture Mambo manager Henry Akhonya.

The entrance to Culture Mambo in Nakuru.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

Closer to where the incident took place, the situation is very different.

Read: How I lost Sh50,000 after being drugged with 'Mchele' in a Nakuru club

Mary Njambi, the manager of the Beehive, says they do not allow anyone with a dangerous weapon into the club.

The Beehive Lounge in Nakuru.

Photo credit: Bret Sanya/Mtaa Wangu

"We do not allow anyone who comes to our premises with a gun to enter our premises, we usually turn them away," said Ms Njambi.

It's business unusual at Vegas club after shooting incident

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Bret Sanya