If you have been to OTC in Nairobi downtown you must have spotted a popular pub known as Athusi Bar & Restaurant.
From the outside it looks like an old bar struggling to survive in hard economic times and stiff competition from fancy pubs.
Even inside, it bears the image of an average village bar with not-so elegant décor and furniture but Athusi is a pub so dear to drinkers from Kamba community.
It has stood test of times since 1952, maintaining the design and interior and reputation of the bar where Kambas revellers in Nairobi must take something at least once in their life.
Athusi is treated as the meeting point of Kambas heading to the countryside or arriving in Nairobi to irrigate their throats, talk politics, their community or village issues.
According to the management, there is unwritten rule that any Kamba drinker in Nairobi must get some sort of introduction to the capital city there at Athusi.
He says it has a reputation running over 60 years and over time Kambas drinking there feel at home.
“They feel like they are drinking in their village though they are in the capital. They can enjoy Kamba music and cuisine” a manager said.
Athusi has a rich history of revelers and music bands which started there. Late Kilome MP Tony Ndilinge and Taveta MP Norman Nthenge Lukindo (deceased) were regular drinkers.
Kamba music bands like Kimangu Boys Band, Mukuyuni Stars Band and Katitu Boys Band started in Athusi. They later birthed Yatta Boys Band, Kyaume Boys among others.
A busy matatu terminus outside the pub and its closeness to Machakos country bus makes Athusi convenient for drinkers going upcountry or arriving in Nairobi.
