Two arrested as NACADA seizes illicit, expired alcohol in Kirinyaga raids

The intelligence-led operation, conducted on Tuesday afternoon, involved NACADA officers, the police and officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The three premises are reported to be owned by the same alcohol distributor.

During the multi-agency operation, two suspects found managing the outlets were arrested and are assisting investigators. 

Authorities recovered hundreds of bottles of suspected counterfeit vodka, some packaged in beer bottles bearing KRA stamps that could not be verified. A portion of the alcohol was found to be expired but was allegedly being sold to customers.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the raids were part of ongoing compliance checks targeting illicit alcohol distribution networks in the county. He added that investigations had identified additional suspected distribution points in neighbouring areas, which may also be subjected to enforcement action.

“This individual has been on our radar for a while. Today, we moved on all her marked establishments within Kirinyaga County for compliance checks. This was not a random operation; it was precision-led,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.

The seized alcohol was loaded onto government vehicles and taken for analysis at the Government Chemist to establish its composition and determine whether it meets required safety standards.

Residents in the affected areas expressed concern over the sale of potentially harmful alcohol. Authorities said investigations are ongoing and further arrests may follow as efforts continue to curb the circulation of illegal and unsafe alcoholic products.