10,000 litres of suspected industrial ethanol intercepted in Kiambu

Three occupants of the tanker were arrested and are expected to assist investigators in establishing the source and intended destination of the consignment.

Kiambu County Commissioner George Matundura says samples of the substance have been submitted to the Government Chemist for analysis to establish whether it is industrial ethanol.

Matundura says had the consignment reached its intended destination and been used to manufacture second-generation alcoholic drinks, it could have generated an estimated street value of Sh28 million.

Meanwhile, Kiambu County Police Commander Kennedy Samani has ordered the establishment of police roadblocks along major roads entering the county.

The checkpoints will facilitate the inspection of vehicles and help prevent the transportation of illicit substances through Kiambu.

Police say the tanker had been disguised as a fuel transportation vehicle, raising concerns over methods being used to transport substances suspected to be destined for illicit alcohol production.