Fake booze seized in Mai Mahiu

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) on Tuesday spearheaded a multi-agency crackdown that led to the arrest of suspects and the seizure of thousands of bottles of illicit alcohol in Mai Mahiu and Kijabe towns, as authorities intensified festive season enforcement efforts.

The operation, carried out on 17 December 2025 at midday in collaboration with officers from the National Police Service (NPS), followed public complaints over the sale of illegal alcoholic drinks in Kijabe.

Acting on the tip-offs, NACADA enforcement officers arrested a woman who was selling Ugandan coffee-flavoured vodka from her home. The investigation then led officers to Mai Mahiu, where a raid on the residence of a male suspect believed to be the supplier uncovered 2,526 plastic bottles, each containing 200 millilitres of alcohol. All the products were traced back to Uganda.

Speaking during the operation, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the raid was part of intensified festive season interventions aimed at shielding communities from the health, safety and social risks linked to illicit alcohol.

“This operation is part of our enhanced festive season efforts to protect communities, families and especially young people from the dangers of illicit, counterfeit and irresponsibly packaged alcohol,” Dr Omerikwa said.

He added that the crackdown supports wider government measures to curb the production, distribution and consumption of illegal alcohol and drugs during the holiday period and beyond.

Dr Omerikwa further noted that cross-border surveillance has been stepped up to disrupt smuggling networks and prevent illegal alcohol from entering the Kenyan market.

“We are working closely with security agencies to seal border loopholes. Anyone seeking to profit at the expense of public safety will be dealt with decisively,” he warned.

Issuing a firm caution to offenders, the NACADA boss reiterated that licences of manufacturers and distributors found violating the law would be revoked immediately, with suspects facing prosecution.

Additional multi-agency teams have since been deployed to continue verification, analysis and enforcement as NACADA sustains its nationwide campaign to keep communities safe through the festive season and into the new year.