Football lovers will be forced to watch this weekend’s Arsenal versus Liverpool game indoors after Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i directed all bars and entertainment spots to close at 5pm on Saturday and Sunday to enable the country to carry out the Census 2019.
Dr Matiang’i said the early closing of bars will enable Kenyans to arrive at their homes at 6pm in readiness for the exercise.
“People should be available in their house to be enumerated. We have, therefore, ordered bars to be closed at 5pm to give people an hour to be at their home at 6pm.
“We are going to ensure that this is enforced,” said Dr Matiang’i, who also clarified that Monday next week will not be a public holiday since “the census will take place at night and will not affect the work of Kenyans.”
“Tusiwe watu wa kujienjoy tu (Let’s try to limit our leisure). How will we build our country when we are not working?” he posed.
The English Premier League has a massive following in the country, with the two clubs among those closely followed by football enthusiasts.
Kenyans with no access to cable TV at home jam entertainment spots to enjoy their favourite games.
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With the Liverpool versus Arsenal game kicking off at 7.30 pm (local time), fans will be forced to either watch it at home or miss the encounter altogether.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
