Only 'loyal' African patrons are allowed in Chinese restaurant aftersunset citing "Masaa ya Waafrika yameisha,” (The time for Africans isover)
The Chinese Restaurant, located at the junction of Galana and Lenana roads in Kilimani, Nairobi. It does not allow Africans to enter after 5pm. The management says the “no-African after 5pm” policy was introduced because Africans pose a security threat to its Chinese patrons. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
In Summary
Only taxi drivers or Africans accompanied by Chinese, European or Indian patrons are allowed into the compound.
The decision to deny access to Africans was reached in 2014 after a gang posing as patrons robbed the establishment and its clients.
Ms Esther Zhao, the relations manager, said the restaurant stands by its strict “no-African after 5pm” policy because Africans pose a security threat to its Chinese patrons.
The Ombudsman, Mr Otiende Amollo, said it was both illegal and unconstitutional to discriminate against an individual on the grounds of their race, gender or ethnicity.
By NJOKI CHEGE
"Masaa ya Waafrika yameisha,” (The time for Africans is over) a guard at a Chinese restaurant in Nairobi’s Kilimani neighbourhood tells Nationreporters when they get there at 7pm.
The restaurant, simply known as the Chinese Restaurant, and located at the junction of Galana and Lenana roads, does not admit Africans after 5pm.
Only taxi drivers or Africans accompanied by Chinese, European or Indian patrons are allowed into the compound.
But Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko and former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju, said to be a friend of the owners, are allowed in after sunset.
The management claimed certain “loyal” African patrons are allowed to dine in the evening.
For an African to be considered “loyal” and worthy of admission, they must spend Sh20,000 at the restaurant over a specified period, they said.
But staff, speaking privately, said the restaurant is not a members’ club and with the exception of Mr Sonko and Mr Tuju, the “no Africans” policy is strictly enforced.
LENKU, KIYIAPI BARRED FROM RESTAURANT
Among those who have been barred from the restaurant, according to the staff, are the former Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government Joseph ole Lenku, and former Education Permanent Secretary and presidential candidate Joseph ole Kiyiapi.
Ms Esther Zhao, the relations manager, said the restaurant stands by its strict “no-African after 5pm” policy because Africans pose a security threat to its Chinese patrons.
She said the patrons feel safer and more comfortable if African patrons are locked out.
“We don’t admit Africans that we don’t know because you never know who is Al-Shabaab and who isn’t,” she said.
“It is not like it is written on somebody’s face that they are a thug armed with a gun.”
According to her, the decision to deny access to Africans was reached in 2014 after a gang posing as patrons robbed the establishment and its clients.
“Six armed men — Africans — broke into our restaurant and robbed us of Sh600,000.
“They also robbed our patrons of their possessions at gunpoint. A chef was also injured,” Ms Zhao said in an interview with the Nation.
Some workers who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs denied claims that a select group of Africans are allowed into the restaurant after 5pm.
“It is strictly a no-African policy and we have even had to turn away some prominent Kenyans who were obviously not a security threat,” said one worker.
AL-SHABAAB THREATS
Ms Zhao said that recently, the Chinese embassy in Nairobi issued a warning to all Chinese businesses to be vigilant due to the security threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
“The Chinese people who stay here or come to dine want to feel safe.
“They also have families back in China and they don’t want to be in harm’s way during their stay in Kenya.
“As management, it is our duty to ensure their safety,” said Ms Zhao.
The Ombudsman, Mr Otiende Amollo, said it was both illegal and unconstitutional to discriminate against an individual on the grounds of their race, gender or ethnicity.
“That amounts to racial and ethnic profiling, which is unconstitutional.
“It has in it the inherent assumption that Africans are inevitably pre-disposed to be robbers.
"Whatever measures they choose to take to maintain security must be measures that treat people equally irrespective of race, gender or colour,” Mr Amollo said.
He said there were several ways to reverse the problem.
SUE FOR DISCRIMINATION
A person who was turned away can sue for discrimination or approach the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to take up the matter on behalf of citizens.
“The last alternative is to complain to us formally. We would not take it up with them directly because they are a private entity but we would take it up with the licensing authorities, which would include the county government,” said Mr Amollo.
He said his commission could put pressure on the county government to revoke the licences of a private company that has been accused of discrimination.
However, according to the restaurant’s management, it is unlikely that African patrons would feel comfortable dining at the restaurant anyway, because they host many Chinese parties after sunset.
At times, the party goers themselves ask the restaurant managers to lock out Africans.
“In the future, we are considering to roll out a membership scheme and give cards to some of our loyal African customers so that they can be admitted after 5pm,” Ms Zhao said.
I wonder what you people are complaining about. So if it is Chinese discriminating against Africans in Kenya then we are up in arms. Discrimination against one another in Kenya based on ethnicity is so widespread that it has reached an alarming heights. It is only that we cheat ourselves in public that all is well but if we came out openly as this Chinese restaurant then I don't know what you would comment here. Just for example take a case of non-muslims being targeted and their heads blown off or killed and their bodies burnt beyond recognition in some parts of Kenya, the ever so uncomfortable comments in social media and ethnic profiling of certain tribes in Kenya and on and on........... Let us speak peace and truth to heal our Nation. We need to repent as nation and God will bring back Kenya of the 70s and 80s.
I am simply speechless. Please tell me this in NOT true...if it is and the government does nothing, I will personally act. I will make them flee...it will happen.
Is there no lawyer or advocate reading this article that could file a public interest litigation? this is outrageous!! Today it is one restaurant tomorrow many more would take example and follow suit!!
Are we that desperate to have Chinese food that we are willing to sacrifice our pride, heritage and dignity to be allowed to have a taste of their (Chinese) cuisine. Also, what does "African" here mean? is it the color as in "black" or is it ethnicity and if its the latter, would a white, Indian or Arab African be barred from eating there. However, If its any one of these its discrimination and racist, pure and simple. How much are we going to tolerate all the bad things Chinese. They rob us of all our elephants and now they are introducing apartheid in our country and we are sitting back watching as they throw insults at us. only in Africa, try such a stunt anywhere else in the world and you'd be thrown in the gallows so fast you will not know the color of your skin. But the big question here is, why are our governments allowing such entities to set up shop in our midst, but like always a few hands have been oiled to look the other way. and the wananchi are the victims........Go figure.
why is everyone only complaining about such open racism in the 21 century ... why dont we see that our own politicians are sitting right there watching the injustice. if not the politicians, who do you want to step up for the rights of kenyans in their own country? as much as we blame "the others" we should also blame us kenyans and our leaders to accept this!
A few Kenyans missing the point as usual. Discrimination is wrong, more than that allowing discrimination from a foreign owned business to the citizens of the country said business is located in is ludicrous. And excusing it by saying discrimination is common place in Kenya is the reason we have tribalism in this country.
I'm wondering why Kenyans are so upset and yet they met out the same treatment to each other. Discrimination by Chinese, Arab , Kikuyu, Israeli is one and the same thing.
But even if Kenyans practise discrimination among one another but the fact remain that Kenya is for Kenyans. You have no right what so ever you as a foreigner to come to Kenya exercise discrimination to Kenyans in their own land.
They would never try such a stunt i nigeria Kenyans are just to mild and let such discrimination pass. Others are Indians who harass workers. Immigration department giving out work permits to foreigners to do jobs that can be done by locals. Passports and IDs being sold to Asians Somalis and arabs. We are finished.,
Kwani what is so special about a Chinese restaurant for people to "mourn" that they are locked out? Kwani chakula ya hapo ni dawa? If a private business entity does not welcome you, just go elsewhere.
It all starts that way. Then next is the public toilets, then public transport follows, then shopping malls, schools also follow suit. Then comes entire neighborhoods and finally cities. Before you know it, it's like apartheid South Africa of the 20th century, and the USA of up to 20th century.
With the number of chinese restaurants in Nairobi, surely closing this one and deporting the "investors" would not harm the chinese food industry in Kenya! It is a shame that such outright discrimination on account of colour would be something that Kenyans should be debating. The authorities need to have acted without any delay!
No, it's not the colonial era. It's the corrupt era. Do you think such shenanigans would be happening unless somebody is paid to enforce that kind of discrimination?
This is unbelievable, that in this day and age, such racism would be practiced in the open. Even African restaurants are robbed, these is racial profiling, in a country where Africans are the majority and the natives. Unbelievable, Is this really "POST-COLONIAL" Kenya ??
The best way is to liaise with the government to offer adequate security to the restaurant especially after the said attack, instead of reminding us the dark ages of apartheid
is this happening in 21 century africa! if u do that in tanzania the next day owners will be deported. deport them ASAP. chinese are becoming more arrogant and stubborn. please don't treat them with kids gloves
this is unacceptable despite the real security concerns raised .they should adopt the same security measures that other businesses are using otherwise it ammounts to racial discrimination. pg karimi
lmao. Are you kidding me? I'm not surprised. This is typical Africa. You allow a foreigner to invade your home and take away resources from your land. Then you allow that same person to continue to enslave you IN YOUR OWN land. Also, your culture is destroyed and you begin to follow those who undermined you. Your government spends it's money on just improving only the tourism industry. This is the 21st century and Kenyans are allowing themselves to back track. Kenya must be okay with their country being a laughing stock of the world like the rest of Sub-Saharan countries. China has made it a curse to be born African. What bright future has been Uhuru been talking about when the steps taking are only going backwards. Whats next? Kenyans not being allowed to enter certain shops within Nairobi? It's apartheid being re-born. Nothing will be done about this. We will watch as our country is sucked dry to the bone. Do not cry when you continue begging. You have chosen to do nothing and even doing nothing has consequences. To hell with Uhuru's Kenya.
I don't agree with the militant nature of your argument. Nothing wrong with foreign investment of having a rich and diverse cultural profile...the only issue here is the blatant racism being shown by this business.
In our own independent country we allow these racists to operate? Africans are very poorly treated in China, and now also in their own homeland?? This is completely unacceptable! We will NOT stand for this!
As if racial discrimination outside our borders wasn't harsh enough, we now have to deal with it in our own country! Hope Governor Kidero & Co. and especially the officials tasked with issuing licenses are all ears! Let them close shop and move back to Beijing, after all Kenya could do without their Chinese cuisine! Shame on you!
This is a flagrant breaking of the law. They should punished for such disregard of the law. It's amazing they have the audacity to discriminate against Africans in Africa. Given Chinese have been involved in a number of crime within Kenya, should we similarly act by banning all Chinese from Kenya?
I am extremely disgusted by the gall of the restaurant owners and its management for not only having such a policy but having the bravado to air it out to the media. If you only want Chinese patrons how about you open your restaurant IN CHINA??!! If the Chinese patrons do not want to interact with Africans they are on the wrong continent!!!!!! Even more appalling is the reaction of our leaders!! Why would you want to eat there???? You are African too!!!! I would have expected a shut it down campaign by now especially from one of the leaders mentioned in this article.
And thats my country that I have my money and all I want is have a meal.and you will segregate me believe me get good lawyers I am coming on April 20th.and we have politician's who can accept this.I. lost freinds and family members in 1998 do I judge all Somalis.right now I'm in tears go try this in Beijing and see if you will last a day.believe me lets you have the money and I believe I have Kenyans on my side.and we say we are independent so sad my fellow Kenyans let's do something I don't encourage violence but if our politicians won't help then we to do something. Baba mboga Boston.
Haiya, mambo hayo, courting the Chinese has its own implications. This issue of Kenyans eing so docile even at such provocations is unbecoming, I once had a preacher in Nigeria comparing Kenyans to Nigerians and this came out quite clearly, Kenyans just don't assert themselves!
We should also lock out the Chinese as they pose a major security threat to our elephants and rhinos. That is a threat to National Security as it directly affects our tourism industry thus affecting employment
If they don't like Africans and their patrons need exclusion, then let them not drive on the same roads as Africans, not use the same airport terminal, not shop from the same malls...not even breathe the same air, as Africans do. In short, they should hurriedly pack up and go back to China and leave us, Africans, alone.
Bloody hell. Who thought some Chinese could think their food is so great! I only eat Chinese food when there's no other food around. And quite often, it makes me sick. so whatever. But they still need a visit by some rowdy Africans soon. We are good at that.
Well, we are now tolerating apartheid in our country. If any business is not ready to serve all clients irrespective of gender, race, color or creed then it should not be allowed to operate in Kenya.
this is absurd , unethical we are in the 21st century in our own country this is happening, to be double edged what has the government done to ensure security of businesses
Some restaurants in kilimani are more than restaurants after dark, this has been public knowledge for sometime now they offer exclusive massages from Chinese ladies who seem scared and gaunt and speak no word of english most probably victims of people trafficking this is known by the higher ups and nothing has been done about it!
What the *&$%! In our own country! now the dragon is really starting to show its teeth..for those who have been hailing China as the answer to Western colonialism this is a hint of what is is store for us!
Why are these people still in this country, much less still operating their little racist shop? Someone in the immigration office should be out of a job by now.
Where is the outrage by my fellow Kenyans. Racism against the citizens of Kenya in their own country. Would Kenyans be allowed to have such a policy in china. Rise up and stand up for your rights. Nowhere in the world should such behavior be condoned. All equal.
Now let an African go open a restaurant in China ( or Europe) You won't need a policy saying no Chinese after 5 pm....They will never set foot in the restaurant 24/7 just because it's owned by a black person. We degrade ourself's a lot by kissing other peoples behind in our own soil.
Shut these racist idiots down. If they only want to serve chinese people, there are one or two billion of them back in China. Go away, you wont be missed.
what a shame seems china is started also owning kenya just like the Indians have done so they now share the country and it's loots...kenyans with the leadership of pass on to me presidents for fifty years have never walked free..even an indian in their suburbs will ask you..wewe natak nini hapa..yet you are walking on public road. jobs in indian owned companies are for indians and africans will work as tea girls or cleaners
How can a racist enterprise be allowed to continue operating in Nairobi in this day and age? If you do not want Africans what about opening the hotel in China? It is so sad. You are welcomed with open hands to the warmth of Africa and its beauty. and you pay back with insults and prejudice.
"Masaa ya Waafrika yameisha,” (The time for Africans is over) a guard at a Chinese restaurant in Nairobi’s Kilimani neighbourhood tells Nationreporters when they get there at 7pm.The restaurant, simply known as the Chinese Restaurant, and located at the junction of Galana and Lenana roads, does not admit Africans after 5pm.Only taxi drivers or Africans accompanied by Chinese, European or Indian patrons are allowed into the compound.But Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko and former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju, said to be a friend of the owners, are allowed in after sunset.The management claimed certain “loyal” African patrons are allowed to dine in the evening.For an African to be considered “loyal” and worthy of admission, they must spend Sh20,000 at the restaurant over a specified period, they said.But staff, speaking privately, said the restaurant is not a members’ club and with the exception of Mr Sonko and Mr Tuju, the “no Africans” policy is strictly enforced.LENKU, KIYIAPI BARRED FROM RESTAURANTAmong those who have been barred from the restaurant, according to the staff, are the former Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government Joseph ole Lenku, and former Education Permanent Secretary and presidential candidate Joseph ole Kiyiapi.Ms Esther Zhao, the relations manager, said the restaurant stands by its strict “no-African after 5pm” policy because Africans pose a security threat to its Chinese patrons.She said the patrons feel safer and more comfortable if African patrons are locked out.“We don’t admit Africans that we don’t know because you never know who is Al-Shabaab and who isn’t,” she said.“It is not like it is written on somebody’s face that they are a thug armed with a gun.”According to her, the decision to deny access to Africans was reached in 2014 after a gang posing as patrons robbed the establishment and its clients.“Six armed men — Africans — broke into our restaurant and robbed us of Sh600,000.“They also robbed our patrons of their possessions at gunpoint. A chef was also injured,” Ms Zhao said in an interview with the Nation.Some workers who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs denied claims that a select group of Africans are allowed into the restaurant after 5pm.“It is strictly a no-African policy and we have even had to turn away some prominent Kenyans who were obviously not a security threat,” said one worker.AL-SHABAAB THREATSMs Zhao said that recently, the Chinese embassy in Nairobi issued a warning to all Chinese businesses to be vigilant due to the security threat posed by Al-Shabaab.“The Chinese people who stay here or come to dine want to feel safe.“They also have families back in China and they don’t want to be in harm’s way during their stay in Kenya.“As management, it is our duty to ensure their safety,” said Ms Zhao.The Ombudsman, Mr Otiende Amollo, said it was both illegal and unconstitutional to discriminate against an individual on the grounds of their race, gender or ethnicity.“That amounts to racial and ethnic profiling, which is unconstitutional.“It has in it the inherent assumption that Africans are inevitably pre-disposed to be robbers."Whatever measures they choose to take to maintain security must be measures that treat people equally irrespective of race, gender or colour,” Mr Amollo said.He said there were several ways to reverse the problem.SUE FOR DISCRIMINATIONA person who was turned away can sue for discrimination or approach the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to take up the matter on behalf of citizens.“The last alternative is to complain to us formally. We would not take it up with them directly because they are a private entity but we would take it up with the licensing authorities, which would include the county government,” said Mr Amollo.He said his commission could put pressure on the county government to revoke the licences of a private company that has been accused of discrimination.However, according to the restaurant’s management, it is unlikely that African patrons would feel comfortable dining at the restaurant anyway, because they host many Chinese parties after sunset.At times, the party goers themselves ask the restaurant managers to lock out Africans.“In the future, we are considering to roll out a membership scheme and give cards to some of our loyal African customers so that they can be admitted after 5pm,” Ms Zhao said.
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