NAIROBI - The much anticipated Groove Party 2011 has been cancelled. The event scheduled for 31st December 2011 was cancelled due to security concerns raised by intelligence and the Kenya Police. “Al-Shabaab has threatened to hijack the event and do destructive damage to the participants and the facility” said Nairobi PPO (Provincial Police Officer) Antony Kibuchi. Here is the full media statement released by Mo Sound Entertainment, the organizers of the event.
"Mo Sound Entertainment, Groove
Party and its partners regret to announce the cancellation of the End
year event, Groove Party slated on the 31st December 2011 at the KICC.
The preparations for Groove Party
2011 were at a very advanced stage having received all the necessary
clearance from relevant authorities. However, the Kenya Police has
raised a red flag based on available security intelligence, and in the
interest of the safety of fans, it has been decided to cancel the event
altogether.
"Al-Shabaab has threatened to hijack
the event and do destructive damage to the participants and the
facility" Said Nairobi PPO (Provincial Police Officer) Antony Kibuchi.
"Together with our partners and
sponsors, we would like to thank you all for your continued support for
Groove Party and all our events", said Kevin Mulei – Managing Director
of Mo Sound Entertainment.
Groove Party will have a Live TV show to be aired on KTN on 31st December from 10pm and will feature Groove Party artists.
Mr Mulei, on behalf of the Groove
Party team, also took the opportunity to wish all the fans "a Blessed
Christmas and a Groovy New Year," and unreservedly apologized for the
inconvenience caused by the unforeseen cancellation, stressing that it
was occasioned by factors beyond his team's control and was "necessary
in order not to compromise the sanctity of human life and property."
