Authorities have seized counterfeit alcohol worth an estimated Ksh5.28 million in a major multi-agency operation in Kitengela, intensifying the government’s war on illicit brews in Kajiado County.
The Tuesday morning raid, conducted around 11:00 AM, targeted Scotland Wines and Spirits Shop, a retail outlet linked to a suspected distribution network of fake spirits. The operation was led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), working in coordination with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the National Police Service (NPS).
Following the arrest of the shop’s proprietor, Antony Gakuo, officers were led to a concealed storage container within the town. Inside, they uncovered an industrial-scale cache of counterfeit liquor 528 boxes in total -packed with popular spirit brands.
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The haul included 230 boxes of Trace Vodka, 107 of Dalas Brandy, 85 of Triger Gin, 44 of Supa Vodka, 22 of Rider Vodka, and 12 of Tiger Vodka. Each box contained 20 bottles of 250ml, pointing to a well-organized operation aimed at flooding the market with substandard and potentially harmful products.
The entire consignment was taken into custody by KRA officials and transported to Nairobi for further investigation and eventual destruction. Meanwhile, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) collected samples for laboratory analysis to determine the authenticity and health risks posed by the seized products.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the bust was part of the ongoing Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), now in its 70th day, under the directive of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. “This successful operation in Kitengela is a clear testament to our sustained resolve,” said Dr. Omerikwa. “The RRI has galvanized our multi-agency approach, leading to impactful results that safeguard our communities.”
“To all the merchants of death engaged in the criminal counterfeiting and drug sale business, NACADA is coming for you. Your days of profiting from the health and lives of Kenyans are numbered.” Omerikwa warned other traders involved in the trade of illicit alcohol.
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The raid comes amid growing concern over the increase of illicit brews in Kitengela, a town that has seen rising cases of youth addiction and alcohol-related deaths. During recent Mashujaa Day celebrations, county leaders pledged to intensify efforts to combat the crisis, acknowledging that entire communities have been affected by the unchecked spread of illegal alcohol.
Tuesday’s operation signals intensified operation against illicit alcohol in Kitengela and the larger Kajiado County. Authorities say more operations are planned in the coming weeks.
By Masaki Enock
