Nairobi’s popular nightclub, the Alchemist, has temporarily closed its doors following allegations of racial discrimination that surfaced on social media over the past weekend. The accusations claim that the club’s bouncers were directing guests into separate queues based on their race, sparking widespread outrage online. In response, the management engaged with the Nairobi County Government and opted to suspend operations to allow a full and thorough investigation into the claims. The closure aims to ensure transparency and address the concerns of patrons who may have felt marginalized.
In an official statement, the club apologized to anyone affected by the incident and emphasized its commitment to resolving the matter. To anyone that has felt aggrieved, we sincerely apologize and look forward to sitting down together and addressing these issues head-on, the statement read. During the temporary closure, authorities will review CCTV footage from May 20, the night when the alleged discrimination occurred, to establish whether any guests were indeed denied entry unfairly. The review will also consider past events to determine if there is a recurring pattern of discriminatory behavior.
The viral social media video that prompted the closure showed a man filming as he claimed, This is racist, I swear… I wanted to record, while bouncers reportedly separated guests. In addition to the ongoing investigation, the club has reached out directly to those who posted the video to gather more details and ensure their concerns are heard. By taking these steps, the Alchemist seeks to restore trust with its patrons and the broader Nairobi nightlife community while reinforcing the message that discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.