NACADA raids counterfeit alcohol den in Murang'a, seizes brewing equipment

Acting on intelligence, officers discovered large quantities of suspected industrial ethanol, a toxic substance not fit for human consumption, along with food colouring used to imitate legitimate alcoholic products.

Also recovered were labelling and sealing equipment, thousands of empty 250ml bottles of various brands, plastic caps, counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps, and more than 200 cartons of ready-for-sale counterfeit alcohol.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the seizure highlights the growing sophistication of illicit alcohol networks and the danger they pose to communities. He confirmed that forfeiture proceedings for the seized items had been initiated, alongside investigations aimed at tracing assets linked to the operation.

“This is a deliberate criminal enterprise that puts lives at risk,” Dr. Omerikwa said, adding that NACADA would pursue prosecutions across the supply chain, including financiers and distributors. He noted that licenses would be cancelled where applicable, and that asset recovery would accompany criminal charges.

The discovery shocked residents of the normally quiet neighbourhood. Several locals said the occupant of the house had appeared unremarkable, though some recalled frequent vehicle movements late at night. Community members welcomed the raid and urged authorities to maintain pressure on illegal brewers, while calling on residents to report suspicious activities.

The Murang’a operation is part of a broader national crackdown on counterfeit and illicit alcohol. It follows a separate NACADA-led raid in Machakos County over the weekend, where counterfeit alcohol valued at approximately Ksh 13 million was seized.

NACADA has appealed to the public to remain vigilant, warning that counterfeit alcohol continues to be a major threat to public health and safety.