Da Place Lounge; Kisumu’s COVID-19 Epicenter.

In the wake of fourth covid​19 catastrophic wave of delta variant, that led to Ministry of Interior together with Ministry of health put in place stringent measures in Western Kenya region to curb the upsurge of the cases after the May Madaraka day celebration in Kisumu whereby dusk-to -dawn curfew hours in the Western region was revised back from 10pm-7pm to 4 am while the rest of the country enjoys the privalege of 10pm to 4am. 

But turns out that while others are being compliant with government directives, some are derailing the effort to curb the spread by flaunting rules boldy with balls. And as a matter of fact checking which’s a virtue at Kenya insights, with the help of our sources on the ground, we managed to do our due diligence to investigate and unravelled one notorius club – Da Place Lounge which has been flaunting the rules and protocols, superspreading the delta variant – flaunting curfew hours by keeping open past 7pm curfew time, filling up the club beyond capacity with no social distancing and stipulated safety measures. 

A one on one with a covid19 survivor who sought anonymity, claimed to had contracted the virus after a party out with a group of ten friends at De place. The source was on job leave and so after partying out, just stayed indoors but after fours days, felt sore throat, Sinus congestion and runny nose of which are unique common with the delta variant but mistook the symptoms as just usual allergies, only for the condition to worsen to shortness of breath and had to be rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) with the help of the neighbor and as an emergency case put on Oxygen support and later diagnosed with the delta variant after the samples were taken for test at KEMRI. 

To confirm his source of infection, other friends whom the victim partied with also confirmed their positive infection in their WhatsApp group which they were in together and unfortunately one of the member lost life due to pre-existing condition.

This investigation came after continued complains by the residents who are feeling at risk, innocent victims who’ve been infected as a result of contact tracing possibly originating from such places like De Place Lounge where masking is an option and not rule and so is social distancing.

Below are the photographic evidences ​of a crowded business joint – Da Place lounge live and kicking past the 7 pm curfew hours. Taken few weeks ago  by our crew when 7 pm dusk-to-dawn curfew was still in place.

In 2020 there were complains by Mamboleo estate residents concerning Da Place Lounge. The club hosted large crowds despite state’s direction of banning large public meetings. Kenya insights was informed of a popular show called Kikao which is held on Sundays. Popular celebrities from Nairobi like DJs, musicians and socialites are often invited to the club that attracts over 1,000 guests stuffed in the small club. 

Kikao Sunday

Comedian Jalang’o and DJ Joe Mfalme at Da Place

Musician Masauti Kenya performing at Da Place

Residents questioned why despite the curfew in place the club has been allowed to operate till morning in the full disregard of the law. There are allegations that traffic police officers stationed along Mamboleo-Kakamega-Kisumu road allow intoxicated drivers from the club to pass through undeterred.

Question is just how powerful is the club’s owner that he’s operating with impunity and allowed to go about his business as usual. So brazen that the club advertises their events on huge billboards across the city. Eyes are now set on the senior police boss in Nyanza for not acting on the residents’ cries of being exposed to the deadly virus by allowing the club to operate as normal.

Residents speaking to this site are also asking relevant authorities to look into allegations that the club’s owner Mr. Kennedy Angweng is involved in illicit liquor business. “Ask KRA and KEBS to pay a visit to his establishments and where he supplies his liquor to do a standard check. KRA should also take their time to look into the books and see if there’s any possibilities of tax evasion, believe they’ll find something to interest them.” Said a source.

”The club operates beyond allowed times. It’s open while night and whole Kisumu’s social class groups here.” Says another source.

Apparently, Ken, the owner boasts of having the entire local police force in his pocket and nothing can happen to him. Worse, the authority enforcement drink from the same spot on credit to his amusement. “Huyu jamaa juzi alisomea OCS kama mtoto before curfew ya 7pm kutolewa, because wanapewa pesa kila mtu akiona.” A Boda Boda rider talking to Kenya Insights.

“We’re having a particular problem with the club because most of our patients have traces to the club. It’s an issue we’ve raised with the county’s administration but nothing forthcoming. At first it was easily dismissive but now we can’t since the numbers are piling. Investigations should be launched abs they’ll all lead there. If the government is committed, they’ll find the answers. The club doesn’t observe Tanya set COVID-19 protocol and an epicenter of the virus’s spread in Kisumu.” An anonymous medical manager in Kisumu talking to Kenya Insights.

The Delta variant is 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant; first identified in the U.K; which in turn was about 50 percent more transmissible than the ancestral Wuhan strain. Delta has features that allow it to evade some of the body’s immune system defenses and has the highest transmissibility.

As countries struggle to secure vaccines, public health experts are concerned that the Delta variant; the most dangerous and transmissible form of the corona-virus to date. As we accept and ponder over the harsh reality that Covid-19 is wreaking havoc to our families, communities and the nation, let us remain cautious, guard against the spread of the virus by getting vaccinated and adhering to the safety measures and government- WHO protocols to the latter and closure of transmission joints like Da Place.