'Strippers? Kirinyaga?' Kenyans react after commissioner orders crackdown

Kenyans online have reacted with a mix of shock, humour and criticism to Kirinyaga County Commissioner Shufaa Omar Mwijuma’s directive to shut down entertainment joints accused of hosting nude dancers.

The reactions followed a video of Mwijuma saying she would move against two establishments in Kagio and Kutus where, according to information received by authorities, women allegedly dance naked for patrons.

Some social media users expressed surprise that strip clubs operate in towns such as Kagio and Kutus, with others turning the revelation into jokes about the unexpected nightlife scene in Kirinyaga.

“Strippers? Kirinyaga? Kwani niko Kirinyaga gani guys,” @winniengina posted.

Others joked about the activities allegedly offered at the establishments, including one comment circulating online about customers being charged Sh200 to touch a dancer.

“Lord have mercy mimi niachieni stripper,” @shadi.kc posted, while @justtaurajoey wrote, “zifunge mama”.

The crackdown also drew criticism from users who questioned why authorities were focusing on nude dancing while illicit and counterfeit alcohol remains a concern in the county.

“Deal with illicit liquor first, the rest to follow!” @karuri_shaban_ posted.

Some commenters argued that authorities should prioritise illicit brews, with others noting that dangerous alcohol has caused deaths and illness in parts of Kirinyaga.

The reactions come as the county conducts a multi-agency crackdown on illicit brews, counterfeit alcohol and drug abuse.

Mwijuma, however, said the alleged nude dancing would not be allowed in the county and vowed to shut down the two establishments.

“It is sad that in Kagio, there are people who are just waiting for darkness to set in to start dancing naked. This is very unfortunate and I am not afraid to condemn this publicly,” she said.

She said she would not approve licences for bars allowing such activities and described the practice as demeaning and harmful to society.

“Why allow people to dance naked in your bar? Even if it is profits, I am sure there are many different ways of earning money, not dancing naked,” Mwijuma said.

She said one of the establishments in Kagio allegedly hosts nude dancers every night, while another in Kutus allegedly brings them in on Fridays.

“These two bars should be closed completely. This activity will not be allowed in this county,” she said.

Meanwhile, NACADA Deputy Director for Compliance Amos Warui called for greater public involvement in the licensing of bars and restaurants.

Warui said residents should be consulted during the next licensing process so they can have a say in the number of alcohol outlets operating in their communities.

“We want to save our people who are very much affected by this illicit brew,” he said.

Not all online reactions were critical. Some users supported the commissioner’s position, saying authorities were right to act against what they viewed as inappropriate entertainment and the exploitation of women.

The debate has consequently shifted beyond the two establishments, with Kenyans online questioning the balance between adult entertainment, public morality and the wider fight against illegal alcohol