Seven suspects have been arrested and alcohol worth millions of shillings impounded following a multi-agency operation at Pala area on the border of Kericho and Kisumu counties.
Prompted by a tip-off from vigilant members of the public, law enforcement swiftly responded to the sighting of a suspicious vehicle entering an isolated mabati structure in the scarcely populated region. Police officers from Nyando Sub-County (Kisumu) and Soin Police Station (Kericho) promptly secured the scene.
Kericho County Commissioner (CC) Gilbert Kitiyo disclosed that the makeshift house yielded a substantial stash of illicit alcohol, comprising 2,740 bottles of various brands. Among the confiscated items were 56 buttons of Space Vodka, 27 buttons of African Blend Vodka, and 54 buttons of Best Patiala Brand, totaling 685 liters.
Additionally, the illegal cache included counterfeit beverages such as Venice, Power, Ace, Golden Star, African Spice, and Space. Alongside the alcohol, authorities seized 1,070 liters of ethanol, along with 35,000 fake Kenya Revenue Authority excise duty stamps.
The compound also revealed 10,000 empty bottles, an alcohol meter, and packaging cartons, indicating a sophisticated operation geared towards producing and distributing illicit alcohol.
The Commissioner estimated the seized consignment to be valued at millions of shillings, with samples slated for testing at the government chemist to ascertain their true worth.
Kitiyo emphasized the significance of awaiting the chemist’s results to determine the street value accurately. He noted that based on the packaged buttons alone, the government stood to collect Sh.250,000 in excise duty.
The suspects, believed to have migrated from Nakuru, were reportedly in the process of establishing an illegal alcohol packaging factory. Investigations revealed that the labeled products were intended for distribution in Nakuru and central Kenya.
A vehicle linked to the transportation of the illicit goods was impounded, prompting an ongoing investigation into its owner, Mr. James Nderitu.
The County Commissioner commended the public for their cooperation and urged continued vigilance in the fight against illicit brews and narcotics. He reiterated the commitment of security agencies, highlighting the closure of 1,560 bars in Kericho County as part of the ongoing crackdown.
The multi-agency operation underscores the determination to eradicate the menace of illegal alcohol production and distribution, safeguarding public health and safety.
