Nairobi Eastlands residents are expressing alarm at the resurgence of ‘Disco Matanga,’ a phenomenon causing concern. According to these residents, whenever a person passes away in their neighborhoods, young individuals arrange nighttime dances, euphemistically termed as ‘fundraising for the deceased.’ “For the past week, I haven’t slept at all due to the death of a neighbor. Young men who aren’t employed spend the entire night dancing, smoking marijuana, and pressuring passersby on the road for contributions to aid in transporting the deceased’s body to the village,” stated Andrea Kamau. “They play loud music from 6 pm to 5 am. Some of us have young children, and we also need rest to be able to start work early. I don’t oppose fundraising for burials, but why must there be blaring music right outside my door for two weeks?” Kamau questioned. The occurrence of disco Matanga is prevalent, particularly in Nairobi’s informal settlements. “I’m concerned about our school-age girls and boys who are on holiday at the moment. These disco Matanga events provide a conducive environment for young people to engage in inappropriate behavior,” Mama Virginia Wekesa expressed. Disco matanga has frequently been held responsible for various societal issues. In 2022, the then Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang’i, prohibited disco matangas in Trans Nzoia County, attributing them to teenage pregnancies. The ban was eventually lifted a few months later. Nairobi’s residents are urging bereaved families to hold night vigils or fundraising events quietly, refraining from playing loud music that disturbs tenants.
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