- NACADA uncovered a deadly counterfeit alcohol factory in Murang’a, revealing a sophisticated operation that could endanger countless lives
- Investigators seized toxic ethanol, fake tax stamps, labelling equipment, and hundreds of cartons ready to hit the market
- The raid is part of a nationwide crackdown, following a similar operation in Machakos county
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Murang’a: In a dramatic early morning operation, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) dismantled a sophisticated counterfeit alcohol factory in Kagaa sublocation, Kenol.
Source: UGC
The raid revealed a chilling picture of how illicit brews are produced and disguised to look legitimate, posing a deadly risk to unsuspecting consumers.
The authority discovered large quantities of suspected industrial ethanol, a highly toxic substance not meant for human consumption, mixed with food colouring designed to imitate real alcoholic beverages.
What did NACADA uncover in Murang’a?
The operation also uncovered a full array of counterfeiting tools: equipment for labelling and sealing bottles, thousands of empty 250ml bottles of various brands, plastic caps, fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) tax stamps, and over 200 cartons of finished counterfeit alcohol ready for distribution.
NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa explained that the raid followed precise intelligence and highlighted the grave threat these operations pose to public health.
“This is not a business; it is attempted murder. In the wake of the president’s sustained and unequivocal war against drug abuse, this discovery underscores the lethal, sophisticated enemy we face in our communities,” he said.
Omerikwa confirmed that the seized items are now subject to immediate forfeiture, and further investigations into the network’s assets are ongoing.
How will NACADA tackle criminal networks?
He also issued a stern warning to criminal networks involved in the trade.
“To the manufacturers of this poison, these merchants of death, your time is up. NACADA is coming for you. We are moving with speed to cancel licenses and prosecute every person involved in this chain, from financiers to distributors. Let it be known that asset forfeiture will follow prosecution, you will lose both your freedom and your ill-gotten wealth. Legitimate manufacturers found aiding or turning a blind eye to such schemes will not be spared,” he said.
The raid stunned local residents, who described the operator of the house as a “quiet, normal neighbour.”
Several recalled seeing vehicles come and go at night, previously assuming it might be a taxi service. The community has since praised NACADA’s decisive action, pledging to report any suspicious activities in the future.
Source: UGC
How is NACADA combating illegal brews?
The Murang’a bust is part of an intensified nationwide campaign. Just over the weekend, NACADA intercepted counterfeit alcohol worth Ksh 13 million in Machakos county, signaling a relentless and coordinated crackdown on illegal brews.
A day earlier, NACADA seized over 5,000 litres of illicit alcohol in Emali Town, with Omerikwa warning that kingpins funding the trade are no longer untouchable and will face asset forfeiture.
The authority urged the public to collaborate in reporting suspicious activity, reaffirming its commitment to protecting Kenyan families from the dangers of counterfeit alcohol.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
