Officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) raided Beirut, a popular nightclub in Nairobi and arrested revelers.
According to NACADA, enforcement officers apprehended four revelers who were smoking shisha.
The arrests came after the agency a renewed war against shisha, especially within Nairobi and Mombasa where shisha smoking is common.
In a Saturday 2 March 2, 2024, statement, NACADA stated that the enforcement team pounced on the four in the act.
At the same time, NACADA also seized 5 shisha bongs, 24 packets of assorted flavors. The arrested were booked at Kilimani police station awaiting their day in court.
“In wanton disregard of the law and in an attempt to test the waters, revelers at a popular Nairobi Club, Beirut, yesterday were treated to a rude shock when our Enforcement team pounced on them in the act,” the statement read in part.
Kenya Bans Shisha
In 2017, Kenya outlawed the use, importation, manufacturing, sale, offer for sale, advertising, promotion, distribution, and any act that might encourage or facilitate the use of shisha.
Also Read: Ex-NACADA Boss: Why Companies Are Selling Fake Vodka to Kenyans
“No person shall import, manufacture, sell, offer for sale, use, advertise, promote, facilitate or encourage shisha smoking in Kenya,” read part of the gazette notice then.
Former NACADA boss John Mututho called upon Government to ban shisha in Kenya after Rwanda’s move.
According to Mututho, the rise in the consumption of shisha was concerning, and a number of school-age children were addicted to the drug.
Duale supports NACADA on Shisha crackdown
Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has openly supported that fight against shisha smoking reminding users that it remained illegal.
In December 2023, NACADA officials arrested 25 shish smokers at Yejoka Gardens in Kilimani.
Consequently, Duale stated that anyone found using or selling shisha should be prosecuted.
“Shisha addicts must face the law, as it is illegal in Kenya since 2017. Law enforcement agents must raid Shisha dens,” Duale said.
Also Read: Over 45 People Arrested After NACADA Officials Raid Shisha Dens
In another incident, NACADA officers launched a nighttime operation in Nyali, Mombasa County and arrested 45 people who were smoking shisha in various locations.
During the raid, more than 10 boxes containing special shisha flavors and more than 50 shisha pots were seized.
