Residents and revellers in Eldoret have raised alarm over what they say is the increasing presence of firearms in nightclubs, accusing some security personnel and politically connected individuals of bypassing basic screening procedures at entry points.
Their concerns come in the wake of a shooting incident at Baniyas Club along the Eldoret-Uganda highway involving two police officers, which has reignited debate over security lapses and rising lawlessness in the town’s entertainment joints.
The incident, reported at Eldoret Central Police Station under OB No. 124/8/5/2026, occurred last Friday night and involved two officers — one attached to Villa Police Station in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi Region, and another stationed at Kapsaos Police Post in Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County.
According to a report filed by club manager Mr Peter Mugo, the officers became violent following an altercation with another reveller, during which one officer drew a pistol and fired a single round of ammunition. Club bouncers quickly intervened, disarmed the officer, and recovered the firearm loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition.
The two officers were subsequently arrested by members of the public before being handed over to police at Eldoret Police Station.
A spent cartridge was also recovered at the scene. Upon search, police recovered Sh673,000, 5 euros, 15 US dollars, and 10 Polish złoty from the suspects, who were later booked at Eldoret Police Station.
Although no fatalities were reported, the incident left patrons shaken and has reignited debate over deteriorating security standards in Eldoret’s nightlife industry.
Spiked drinks at nightclub
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwathi said he would issue a comprehensive statement on the matter, noting that he was away at the time of the incident.
Beyond the nightclub shooting, a senior military officer reportedly lost about Sh1.5 million in less than 24 hours after allegedly falling victim to spiked drinks at a nightclub in the city in a separate incident.
According to accounts, the officer was travelling from Nairobi to his rural home when he decided to stop in Eldoret, where he later met a woman described as a sex worker. He allegedly spent the night with her before discovering that his money was missing.
“The army officer came back to the club in the morning confused and in need of urgent help. He said he lost an unknown amount in cash, over Sh300,000 through M-Pesa, and several transactions from his ABSA bank account via ATM,” said a bouncer familiar with the incident.
The officer is said to have later reported the matter to Eldoret Central Police Station, although he reportedly expressed reluctance to pursue a formal complaint for fear of reputational damage.
“I have lost more than Sh1.5 million to a woman I was having fun with. Despite the loss, I do not want to make a formal report because this matter may hurt my family. I hope to handle it personally as an officer. Soon, I will arrest the suspect,” he was quoted as saying.
