Police seize 114 crates of suspected illicit alcohol in Kirinyaga

Mwea East Sub-County Police Commander Henry Gitonga said officers intercepted the consignment at Murubara, where they recovered 114 crates of Diamond Ice and 200 empty crates.

Gitonga said the officers subsequently raided another bar dealing in wines and spirits, seizing four cartons of People Vodka and nine other cartons containing People Gin and lemonades.

Police also seized 11 cartons of suspected illicit alcohol in the Ngurubani area during the operation.

The seized products have been detained at Wang’uru Police Station as exhibits pending testing by the Government Chemist, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to establish their authenticity.

Gitonga noted that although the consignment bore KRA and KEBS stamps, authorities would subject the products to further examination to determine whether they met the required standards.

The seizure has sparked renewed concern among residents over the circulation of suspected illicit alcohol in the region, with questions being raised about its source and distribution networks.

Some residents have called on the government to restrict the sale of ethanol, which they blame for contributing to the proliferation of illicit alcoholic drinks.

Others, however, argue that bar owners also depend on suppliers and that enforcement efforts should target the entire distribution chain, including those manufacturing and transporting the products.

Residents expressed concern over the growing presence of unfamiliar beer brands and other alcoholic drinks in the market, warning that some could pose serious health risks to consumers, particularly young people.

“They should allow Makabo and Muratina to be sold in local bars,” said resident Mugo Gikombe, referring to traditional alcoholic drinks.

Residents also urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and establish roadblocks along key routes to curb the transportation and distribution of suspected illicit alcohol into the area.

John Maina said some of the products were allegedly being transported from other counties, while others were suspected to be manufactured locally.

“Some of those fake brands are being brought here from other counties, while others are made locally by our people in their local bars. Something needs to be done before our youths are finished,” Maina said.

The residents called for coordinated action by security agencies and regulatory authorities to identify the suppliers, verify the safety and authenticity of alcoholic products on the market, and hold those responsible for distributing illicit drinks accountable.

The seized consignment remains at Wang’uru Police Station as investigations and laboratory tests are awaited.