Kahuho Market in Murang’a County was the scene of a major operation on
Monday night after the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and
Drug Abuse (NACADA), working in collaboration with the Murang’a Police Command,
seized counterfeit alcohol valued at Sh1.4 million.
The raid, conducted around 8:00 p.m. ahead of
the Jukwaa la Usalama Murang’a County edition and as part of a 100-day Rapid
Result Initiative (RRI) on illicit alcohol ordered by Interior Cabinet
Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, followed intelligence reports on illegal trade in
unlicensed liquor.
During the operation, enforcement officers
recovered 290 crates of assorted alcoholic drinks, all bearing fake Kenya
Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps. Several cartons of illicit spirits were also
confiscated.
According to NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa,
the syndicate behind the trade operates multiple outlets across Murang’a County
and has repeatedly managed to bypass law enforcement efforts.
“This is not a small-time player. This is a well-established network
thriving on illegality, and the continued evasion of the law underscores the
scale of the challenge we face,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.
At the time of the raid, the suspected
ringleader was absent, but a woman believed to be his store manager was
arrested and is currently being held at Kahuho Police Station.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the key suspect, determined to
dismantle the extensive illicit trade network.
A Kenya Revenue Authority team has
taken over investigations, and charges relating to tax evasion and
contravention of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2010) are expected.
The seized items have been handed over to the
KRA Investigations Team, while samples will undergo further analysis at the
Government Chemist and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to determine their
safety.
NACADA has reiterated its commitment to a
multi-agency approach to tackle rogue traders, warning that counterfeit alcohol
not only deprives the country of revenue but also poses significant health
risks to consumers.
Authorities have vowed to intensify the crackdown to ensure offenders are
brought to justice.
