Nairobi Nightclub Demands Sh48 Million Compensation over Deported Pakistani Belly Dancers

A Nairobi nightclub has moved to court seeking to have the government pay it Sh48 million over losses incurred following the deportation of foreign dancers by the Immigration Department.

Balle Balle Club located in Parklands, Nairobi had brought the belly dancers to the country with the help of Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa to entertain levelers during the 2018 festive season.

However, the eight Pakistan dancers were arrested at the club and were deported from the country on January 4th.

In court documents, the club through lawyer Evans Ondieki argues that the arrest and deportation of the dancers infringed its rights and business.

“The dancers had been issued with special permits by the Sports CS to perform at the Balle Balle club but were arrested and detained illegally by police,” the lawyer says.

He further argues that the deportation was as a result of an illegal fusion of powers by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Transnational Organized Crime Unit.

The club further says it didn't violate the law in importing the dancers adding that it paid all statutory fees and obtained the required permits.

In a statement, the Ministry of Interior said the girls were deported for violating terms stated in the temporary passes issued to them.

High Court's Justice Luka Kimaru will issue directions on the matter on February 13th.