Historic Isiolo Watering Hole Bar Shut Down After Six Decades, Emblem of 'Choma' Tradition
In a recent court ruling, Justice Sophie Chirchir dismissed an application by Achoro Ventures Limited, the owners of the historic Safari Bar and Restaurant in Isiolo, challenging the government's order to close bars near schools. The decision marks the likely end of the Safari Bar under current regulations aimed at restricting alcohol outlets near educational institutions.
The Safari Bar, a 60-year-old establishment known for its roasted meat (nyama choma), was originally started by Pritam Singh shortly after Kenya became a republic. It was later sold to a Kenyan owner, Julius Thiribi. The legal battle began when the Kenyan government issued an order to close bars situated near schools, which affected the Safari Bar.
Alex Thuranira, the company's director, argued in court that Safari Bar has been running lawfully for decades and that they received no prior notice before the government announced the closures via a newspaper. However, Justice Chirchir ruled that the government’s communication was a reminder to county commissioners to enforce existing laws, not a new policy or law requiring prior administrative action under the Fair Administrative Action Act.
The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act is clear on where liquor premises should be located, according to the Judge. The law has been in existence since 2010, as stated by the Judge. The Judge's ruling was that the application is without merit, stating that it would be untenable to stop a legal process.
Alex Thuranira believes that the courts are the only saviour as the government is determined to implement the directive. He argued that his company was not given a chance to either seek a review or appeal internally against the directive. Despite the setback, Thuranira remains hopeful, stating that the courts are the only hope for justice.
The Judge's decision was based on the fact that this was not a new enactment or a policy decision, bringing it under the purview of the Fair Administrative Action Act. The Judge also stated that the implementation of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act has been wanting.
Pritam Singh, the founder of the Safari Bar, is said to have 'invented' nyama choma by pronouncing it as nyama ya kuchoma. The Safari Bar and Restaurant was established in Isiolo a year after Kenya became a republic and has been a significant part of the local culture ever since.
This ruling is a reminder of the government's power to enforce existing laws and regulations, and it remains to be seen how Achoro Ventures Limited will respond to this decision. For now, the future of the Safari Bar and Restaurant hangs in the balance.
[1] The Standard, 2024, "Government orders closure of bars near schools, Safari Bar sues", [online] available at: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001382065/government-orders-closure-of-bars-near-schools-safari-bar-sues
[2] The Star, 2024, "Safari Bar owners challenge school bars closure", [online] available at: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2024-02-01-safari-bar-owners-challenge-school-bars-closure/
[3] The Nation, 2024, "Court dismisses Safari Bar's application to halt school bars closure", [online] available at: https://www.nation.co.ke/news/court-dismisses-safari-bars-application-to-halt-school-bars-closure/1066-5341524-15jw4jvz/index.html
- The ruling on the Safari Bar case underscores the importance of upholding existing regulations in both politics and business, as the government enforced the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, which was established in 2010.
- This epaper edition highlights the clash between a business, Achoro Ventures Limited, and the government over the closure of bars near schools, shedding light on the current state of health and lifestyle establishments in the region.
- In the realm of food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and local culture, the Safari Bar and Restaurant, famed for its nyama choma, faces an uncertain future as the court dismisses their application to halt the bar's closure.
