NACADA seizes a whopping Kshs 5 mill worth of fake alcohol

In a significant crackdown on the illicit alcohol trade in the Lower Eastern region, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has seized counterfeit alcohol worth approximately Sh5 million and arrested a prominent businessman alleged to have been behind the operation, which was located just metres from a school.

The Tuesday operation targeted a bar and wines and spirits outlet owned by a businessman who also serves as Chairman of the Kabati business community. He was arrested alongside three employees, a development that has unsettled local networks and underscored the extent to which the illegal trade is embedded within the area.

Addressing the press after the raid, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa said the premises were operating in blatant violation of the law, situated less than 100 metres from Kauwi Senior School. This contravenes the 300-metre rule that prohibits alcohol outlets from operating near learning institutions.

“It is immoral and unacceptable for alcohol dispensing outlets and storage facilities to operate this close to learning institutions because of the grave risk posed to our children,” Dr Omerikwa said.

He further cited alarming statistics indicating that the prevalence age for drug use initiation in the country stands at seven years. “When children as young as seven are being introduced to substance abuse, and such outlets are positioned near their schools, it amounts to a direct assault on the future of this nation,” he added.

During the raid, officers recovered more than 900 cartons of assorted counterfeit spirit brands and over 250 crates of suspected fake alcohol packaged in 500ml beer bottles. Preliminary investigations established that the seized products bore counterfeit Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps — a common indicator of tax evasion and a potential threat to public health.

Dr Omerikwa praised the intelligence-led operation but noted that the suspect’s role as chairman of the local business community reflects the complexity of dismantling such networks.

“The fact that this individual holds a leadership position within the business community illustrates the magnitude of the challenge. These are not small-scale traders; they are influential figures who exploit their positions to shield unlawful enterprises,” he said.

Residents who gathered at the scene welcomed the enforcement action, pointing to the severe social and health consequences linked to illicit alcohol in the county, including rising medical complications and family breakdowns.

“We are losing our young men to this poison. These operators have acted with impunity for too long. We appreciate NACADA for taking decisive action,” one resident remarked.

The multi-agency team, comprising officers from the National Police Service, transported the seized goods to a secure facility for further examination. The four suspects remain in custody pending arraignment, with authorities indicating that asset recovery proceedings will be initiated to ensure the crime does not yield financial benefit.