A distilling company that manufactures Fly Horse Gin and Diamond Ice Ready to Drink has written to the IPOA requesting it to launch a probe into police officers at Mathira, Nyeri County.
The letter dated February 27, by Patiala Distillers Limited lawyer Danstan Omari, alleges that the officers aided in malicious damage of drinks worth Sh6 million.
The drinks had been confiscated by a commissioner and other officers on February 21, on claims that they were unfit for human consumption.
In the letter, Omari claimed that after confiscation, the drinks were analysed by the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Kenya Bureau of Standard and Anti-counterfeit Agency gave a clean bill of health.
Later on, however, the products were destroyed after two legislators allegedly led residents into a raid at the commissioners's office as the manufacturer was awaiting a report from the government chemist.
This, according to Omari, was baffling since the products were in lawful custody leading him to allege that the same happened under the protection and supervision of police officers.
"It was an unfortunate occurrence by officers who are expected to enforce the law and not use the same law to abuse, intimidate, and harass our client's lawful distributor," he stated.
He further notified the authority that Patiala has since reported the incident to the police.
Arguing that the incident grossly violated the manufacturer's rights, Omari urged IPOA to launch an investigation speedily.
"We kindly implore your urgent intervention in this matter and request that you launch a thorough investigation into the conduct of all the police officers involved in matters relating to our client and take appropriate action against them," the letter reads.
"The integrity of the justice system and public confidence in law enforcement are at stake, and your prompt attention to this matter is crucial."
At the same time, Patiala denied claims that their products are illicit.
They stated that none of their employees have ever been summoned in relation to an unlawful act and neither of them has been investigated over any criminal offence in the 15 years it has been in effect.
The distilling company legally manufactures nine different brands of alcohol namely: Blue Vodka Ice, Genius Gin, Best Gin, Chase Vodka, Diamond Ice, Flying Horse, Best Brandy, Blue Ice Coconut and Gold Medal Brandy.
