Club owners in Nakuru's Kanu Street are counting losses after Friday night's nationwide power blackout.

What started out as a night of fun turned into a fight between bouncers and revelers trying to leave the club without paying.

Cynthia* a waiter at one of the clubs, tells how a Friday night usually painted red by Nakuru residents turned into what she describes as a nightmare.

Also Read: Smocha, the new street food that has Nakuru residents hooked

Why Nakuru parties harder on Saturday than Friday

Friday nights are usually busy, but this night was bound to be a busy one, thanks to the Chelsea vs Luton Town football match.

"The club was packed and our sales were through the roof. By 9pm, I had served many customers and more were coming in. Most of them were positioned close to the screen waiting for the Chelsea game to start, while others were on the dance floor. People were having fun," she says.

However, she says, the excitement in the air was rudely interrupted and replaced by a cloud of silence following a power cut.

What followed was a steady stream of people leaving their seats and heading for the door.

Soon, the majority of them were running, trying to leave the club without paying.

"These people fought with the bouncers on their way out as they tried to close the door. On my total sales, they made off with more than Sh9,500, which will unfortunately be deducted from my salary. As it is, people order their drinks first and pay when they leave," she said.

Jesse*, another waiter, says that while some ran away, the tipsy ones stayed and watched the drama unfold.

Also Read: Dala sevens after-party: Why 'Kupiga sherehe' is becoming more popular than the games

"KPLC ilitufanyia character development. Some revelers opted to spend the night at the club when we were closing, citing fear of walking in the dark," said Jesse.

Kanu Street is adjacent to the informal settlements of Bondeni, Kivumbini, Lake View Rhonda and Langa, which have a history of insecurity.

Wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

Nationwide black out leaves dark memories for Kanu street club

Author Spotlight

Purity Kinuthia