Popular musician Ken Wa Maria is among 50 revellers who were arrested on Saturday night in Nairobi during a raid in night clubs operating in residential areas.

The fundamentals' hit maker was reportedly arrested while performing at a club in Embakasi. Witnesses say police arrived while he was on stage and disrupted the performance.

Reports indicate that the raid targeted joints located in Donholm, Pipeline, Fedha and North Airport road. 

Clubs affected are those operating without the required licenses and those closing past the allowed time.

Rhoda Otieno, director of Liquor Licensing, confirmed that the operation took place, noting that those arrested would be arraigned in court on Monday, January 16. 

"We have arrested quite a number of people who will be arraigned in court on Monday to face various charges according to the offenses they have been arrested for. I urge bar owners to operate within the law."

The operation aimed at enforcing Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja's directive that barred entertainment joints based in residential areas from playing loud music past 10:00 pm. 

In November 2022, governor Johnson Sakaja gave out a directive for all bars and entertainment joints operating in residential areas to operate within the stipulated guidelines. 

"Bars and restaurants in residential areas must operate within the specified time and control noise emanating from their premises.