Anger, frustration, confusion and despair. These were some of the emotions running high at Groundless lounge as workers helplessly watched auctioneers raid the club on Monday.

Confined within the club premises where no one was allowed in or out, were club workers nearly 25 of them in total, who could do nothing but grumble silently.

Speaking exclusively to Mtaa Wangu, Caro*, a waitress shares, "We feel stranded since all our calls to reach the manager are futile."

Probing further into what might have transpired, she shares that they are yet to get paid.

"The last time we received payment was three months ago and things have been really tough for us especially with these harsh economic times."

One of the bar areas inside Groundless club remains empty after auctioneers raided the nightclub on May 14,2024.

Photo credit: COURTESY

Caro* notes, "Yesterday (Sunday), we decided enough was enough and decided to confront the management to at least get way forward. We were told the matter would be resolved on Monday."

With the hope that things would finally get fixed, Caro* and her co-workers went to work but to their rude shock, they found the club empty.

"We came to work only to get the club void of alcohol. After not too long, auctioneers raided the place taking away club equipment such as the TVs and speakers. All that's left at the moment are tables and chairs."

With a lot of confusion about what was transpiring, the workers tried all but in vain to reach the manager to inquire what was happening.

"After not successfully reaching the manager, tulipigia boss who then told us that Sh 600, 000 was given to the manager to sort us out."

According to Caro*, after endless calls to the manager, only Sh200,000 was sent by the manager before switching off the phone.

Andrew*, a bouncer at the club bitterly notes, "This whole situation is unfair and heart breaking. The worst part is that we can’t proceed to labour courts kupata haki since we are all casual labourers. We didn't sign any contract practically leaving us at the mercies of this selfish management."

Not too long ago, Groundless was one of the clubs on its way to shaking up the clubbing scene in Nakuru, pulling crowds and inviting big DJs and artists.

So how did Groundless end up here?

DJ Epic who was once a resident DJ at the club shares, "In the beginning things were going well up until the management got greedy.”

It was then that the workers’ pay began getting delayed but the matter would always get resolved.

"The last straw for me was going two months without pay, all without any word from the management. The worst of it all was that guest DJs and artists were still being invited."

It wasn't long before some of the guest DJs and artists began complaining of delayed pay.

"Groundless had great potential juu ya its location and even space. Lakini due to mismanagement, the club has faced a death a majority of clubs in Nakuru keep facing and will continue to, if nothing gets done," DJ Epic closes off.

Exclusive: Groundless lounge workers reveal details of Monday's dramatic raid

Author Spotlight

Diligence Odongo