Kiambu bans unlicensed collection of empty alcohol bottles amid illicit brew crackdown

Kiambu County Commissioner George Matundura has ordered an immediate halt to the collection of empty wine and spirits bottles by unlicensed persons across the county.

Matundura said some of the bottles are allegedly being sold to illegal distillers, who use them to repackage suspected illicit second-generation alcoholic drinks.

Speaking in Muguga village, Kabete Constituency, after a multi-agency team raided an alleged illegal distillery at the homestead of David Kimemia Muiruri, Matundura directed bar owners to strictly comply with regulations governing the sale and handling of alcoholic beverages.

Kiambu County Police Commander Kennedy Samani confirmed the raid, saying one person had been arrested as the 14-day Rapid Response Initiative continues.

“The only person who is allowed to collect hizo chupa ni ule mtu who is a licensed collector, any other person hatutakubali aanze kuokota chupa kwa sababu ndio zinatumika kwa hii maneno,” said Matundura.