The bar and club scene in Kenya is known for being lively and energetic. However, in the recent past, the issue of spiking drinks, popularly known as "Mchele" has become a concerning trend for club owners and revellers.
The vice of spiking someone’s drink involves the perpetrators adding illegal narcotics or prescription medicines into their targets’ drinks or food. Victims of spiked drinks immediately, lose consciousness lose memory, and times they succumb. This has led to victims being robbed of their belongings, such as ATM cards, cash, phones, jewelry, and car keys, among other valuables.
The effects of spiking drinks have not only impacted the lives of those who have fallen victim to the act but have also had a significant impact on the bar and club's business. Reports of spiking drinks have caused many people to avoid going out to socialize in the affected establishments, fearing for their safety.
This fear has led to a decline in patronage for nightclubs and bars reporting the vice. Some club patrons now prefer to stay home or opt for safer socializing options, such as house parties or events with close friends. This has decreased revenue for club and bar owners who depend on a constant flow of customers to keep their businesses afloat.
Moreover, the spiking of drinks has caused damage to the reputation of the nightlife for the clubs involved. With social media being a powerful tool, reports of spiking of drinks can quickly spread, leading to a loss of trust among potential customers. This has resulted in many establishments struggling to maintain their customer base or shutting down altogether.
A news feature on one of Kenya's popular media houses recently highlighted how the mchele gang operates in major towns in Kenya. The gang comprises security guards, bartenders, receptionists, and rogue elements in the pharmaceutical industry.
The news feature established that the mchele gang collude with rogue bartenders in this immoral activity. Most victims are exposed to the gang during the bill payment processs Bartenders take advantage when writing Mpesa confirmation messages to see clients' Mpesa balance. If you have a hefty balance, they will notify the gang, who will prey on you and spike your drink.
In response to the issue, many bars and clubs have implemented measures to prevent the spiking of drinks. For example, some bars and clubs now serve sealed bottles of booze, while others have increased security and surveillance to monitor any suspicious activity. Some establishments have also trained their staff to spot and prevent the spiking of drinks.
Technology can play a significant role in preventing the spiking of drinks in bars and clubs. Many establishments are now adopting innovative technologies to address this issue. One such technology is the Pesapal Sabi POS machine that accepts Mpesa and card payments. When making Mpesa payments on the Pesapal Sabi machine, it prints two receipts: customer and merchant receipts. The merchant receipt confirms the transaction and has the Mpesa code; hence the bartender doesn't need to access the customer’s phone. This helps curb exposing clients' Mpesa balance to rogue bartenders. By leveraging technology, bars and clubs can improve customer safety and rebuild public trust.
