The popular East African event ‘Blankets and Wine’ which was originally slated for Sunday, July 7, 2024, has been rescheduled to July 28, 2024, due to the current political situation in the country.
The organisers announced the changes citing that there was no security clearance to allow them to continue with the planned event.
“Guys, with a heavy heart, we will be rescheduling Blankets & Wine from 7th July 2024 to 28th July 2024. We bear heavy news that after extensive consultations, we do not have the necessary security clearance to proceed with Blankets and Wine this coming Sunday,” read part of their statement.
“We know how much you were looking forward to this event, and so were we, and we’re committed to bringing it to you when it’s safe for everyone.”
The organisers further added that they had been holding various consultations ever since the political situation in the country over Finance Bill 2024 started taking place.
“Our work at GoodTimes Africa is to design experiences to bring you joy and delight. As the situation in our nation has been unfolding, we have been holding day-to-day briefings with our security teams in order to prepare effectively for our next edition scheduled for Sunday, 7th July 2024,” Blankets and Wine organizers added.
Having surveyed the protests that began peacefully and later became infiltrated by goons, organizers of Blanket and Wine highlighted that July 7, commonly known as Saba Saba would not serve as the best day to host their event.
“Due to the politically charged nature of 7th July, there is a potentially significant threat to life and property including but not limited to road closures, flash protests, and infiltration after dusk, among others,” the organizers added.
For those fans who had already purchased their tickets, the planners gave a detailed breakdown citing that the tickets were still valid for future concerts planned to happen later in the year.
“All purchased tickets are valid for 28th July 2024. However if you cannot make it, you can transfer your tickets to either 6th October 2024 or 22nd December 2024 (Nairobi) or 29th September or 15th December (Kampala) by reaching out to us on DM or email,” the organizers added.
Guys, with a heavy heart, we will be rescheduling Blankets & Wine from 7th July 2024 to 28th July 2024…
We know how much you were looking forward to this event, so were we, and we’re committed to bringing it to you when it’s safe for everyone 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/bTxGb6XIUH
— Blankets & Wine (@blanketsandwine) July 4, 2024
Saba saba protests
July 7, commonly known as Saba Saba is a significant day for the Kenyan people and it traces back to 1990 when countrywide pro-democracy demonstrations were held. Gen Z activists have declared the day to be the culmination of their protests.
The protesters have threatened to name, shame and expose the images of corrupt public officials during the demonstrations.
Activists have since retracted from street protests which turned violent after suspected goons and criminals infiltrated them. They looted shops, mugged protesters and vandalised property.
Additionally, activists are launching an online campaign against government bureaucrats, including members of Ruto’s Cabinet, who they claim lack integrity.
In their observation, Gen Z and activists have outlined that powerful individuals have become overnight multi-millionaires, publicly showing off lavish lifestyles while the masses suffer.