English Premier League fans in Kenya are not a happy lot after the Ministry of Interior ordered all bars and entertainment spots to be closed on Saturday, August 24th to ensure maximum enumeration in a national census exercise.
Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i issued the directive that will see all bars shut at 5 PM, with the Liverpool vs Arsenal game at Anfield set for 7.30 PM East African Time (EAT).
The Interior CS advised fans to watch the game at home, joking that it was a rare chance to watch the game with their families.
“You can go have your drink between 2pm-5pm... you can watch Arsenal and Liverpool at home, your family may have the rare chance of watching with you.” CS Fred Matiang’i on closure of bars over the weekend pic.twitter.com/vLGNZgbJ1s
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 22, 2019
Outraged fans took to social media to protest the move, with some threatening not to participate in the census unless the directive was reversed.
Others have been sharing tips on how to cope with the forced night at home, suggesting illegal sports streaming websites and food and alcohol delivery services.
The last national census in Kenya was conducted in 2009. This year's exercise will be undertaken from Saturday, August 24th to Sunday, August 25th.
Kenyans were especially incensed as the government had made a u-turn on a previous announcement designating Monday, 26th August as a public holiday to solve the maximum enumeration problem.
Loud.co.ke exclusively reported the imminent closure of bars in the country on Monday before CS Matiang'i officially issued the directive on Wednesday.
"It is very unfair for CS Matiang'i to disrupt our social life for something that can be done even on Monday. He should declare Monday a public holiday.
"As a Liverpool fan, I live my life looking forward to such big games as against Arsenal. To tell me to stay indoors when I don't have cabal TV to watch the game will drain me emotionally. I will watch the match at whatever cost,” an angry Liverpool fan Daniel Wahito told Standard.
He asserted that he would watch the match 'at all costs'. A vast majority of Kenyans do not have access to the premium cable TV services that hold rights for the Premier League in Kenya and watch games in bars, video halls and other entertainment spots.
On Twitter, another fan threatened that the match was "bigger than the government and census itself".
Mr Matiangi on Saturday Liverpool will be playing Arsenal. That match is bigger than Kenyan government and the census itself....if you don't allow us watch that game in clubs and go home by 9pm. Then we won't open our doors for ur people #census2019
— Iam wycliffe (@WycliffeIam) August 21, 2019
Here are some more reactions from Kenyans on Matiangi's directive.
Government can't force me to participate in the census.
The only thing that can compel me to give private information is a court order.
I'll be watching Liverpool Vs Arsenal that night with a bucket of fries and a beer like the King I am.
— Michael The Sub-King (@MichaelMburu_) August 22, 2019
Census guys knocking on your door when it’s Liverpool 1 Arsenal 1 and Auba is about to take a 90+6 penalty.
Reply as a football fan...— Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) August 21, 2019
All eyes on Sato, Liverpool vs Arsenal Matiang'i atacheza chini na census,
photo courtesy: Revealed mood ??#LIVARS pic.twitter.com/5UrNPmegBj— Komrade ?? (@KomradeHillary) August 22, 2019
We have a big game over the weekend,Liverpool against Arsenal which is more important than even this senseless Census https://t.co/HqRyOhUGaM
— Alvin (@Alvinn_AFC) August 22, 2019
Matiang'i Liverpool vs arsenal thats a big match than the Kenyan government and census itself, if you wouldn't allow us to watch that game from the nearest club we wouldn't open our doors⚠️⚠️close the bars we close our doors??
— a.k ?? (@itskaris254) August 21, 2019
We have a big game over the weekend,Liverpool against Arsenal which is more important than even this senseless Census https://t.co/HqRyOhUGaM
— Alvin (@Alvinn_AFC) August 22, 2019