Nyeri’s ‘Hague Pub’ attracting customers from far and wide
Customers at "The Hague" pub in Nyeri follow the live streaming of the ICC proceedings during President Kenyatta's status conference on his case. The restaurant has gained prominence since changing its name. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The pub is now attracting customers from far and wide who desire to have "The Hague feeling".
- The club’s customers have been following the latest case in which President Uhuru Kenyatta appeared at the ICC for a status conference hearing.
- Having changed the name of his club from "Senator" to "The Hague", the proprietor notes that his business premise has gained more popularity.
For many Kenyans, the name "Hague" evokes mixed feelings regarding the pending criminal case facing President Uhuru Kenyatta and the ongoing case of his deputy, William Ruto.
But for one businessman, that name has transformed his lifestyle positively and extensively.
Having been encouraged by the public to christen his entertainment joint to "The Hague", he is now celebrating as the club is attracting patrons from far and wide who desire to get a feeling that they have personally attended the International Criminal Court proceedings taking place in The Hague.
The club’s customers have been following the latest case in which President Uhuru Kenyatta appeared at the ICC for a status conference hearing in the Dutch city, where he is facing charges of crimes against humanity.
The Hague club, located in Ihwagi in Nyeri County, has five 32-inch television sets, which offer live streaming of the ICC proceedings and has ample space for its customers.
Residents of Ihwagi Village in Mathira, Nyeri County, going to "The Hague" pub to watch ICC proceedings on October 8, 2014. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI
ICC LIVE STREAMING
Speaking Wednesday to Nation.co.ke, the club’s proprietor, Edward Muchiri, said he has generated much income from Tuesday as local television stations were streaming live Attorney-General Githu Muigai’s presentations before the international court.
People also filled the club Wednesday to watch the status conference proceedings when President Kenyatta appeared at the ICC.
Mr Muchiri noted that during the day, clients who were following the live streaming were buying soft drinks and those who watch prime-time news in the evening are free to buy alcohol.
He said that since he respects the Mututho law, he cannot sell alcohol during the day but is still making a profit from the sale of soft drinks.
“I compare this time with the festive season, as I am getting good income from clients from as far as Nairobi who want to have The Hague feeling,” he said.
GAINED POPULARITY
Having changed the name of his club from "Senator" to "The Hague", the proprietor notes that his business premise has gained more popularity.
“That name ‘Hague’ is the driving force for my business as I have also opened a butchery. But I pray that Kenyans will learn to avoid politically instigated violence,” he said.
Walson Ngatia, a frequent customer at The Hague pub, said that he feels excited when he follows the proceedings at that specific club as he feels like he is physically attending the live events at the ICC.
“If I had money, I would have flown all the way to The Hague and followed the proceedings from there but all is not lost as I am now watching the live event from The Hague club,” he said.
