NACADA Seizes Counterfeit Alcohol Worth KSh5 Million in Kitui

The operation, carried out across several towns in the county, exposed widespread irregularities in alcohol businesses, particularly at Kabati Market in Kitui West subcounty. 

NACADA officials uncovered a series of violations that contravene the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, including the sale of counterfeit alcohol, possession of fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) documents, expired business licences, and operating premises located in close proximity to schools and places of worship.

Sections 12 and 13 of this Act prohibit the establishment of alcohol outlets near educational institutions and religious facilities. However, during the inspection in Kabati Market, authorities discovered several bars and stores situated near a secondary school, in clear violation of the law.

The NACADA team, led by Deputy Director Cooperate Communications Simon Mwangi, confirmed that they recovered more than 900 cartons of alcoholic drinks bearing fake KRA stamps and over 250 crates of suspected harmful alcoholic beverages from one trader alone.“We have been conducting a multi-agency operation across Kitui County and successfully nabbed a distributor dealing in counterfeit alcohol within this area,” said Mwangi. “From one business person, we seized alcoholic products valued at approximately KSh5 million.”

Mwangi noted that the confiscated products not only carried counterfeit documentation but also posed a serious health risk to consumers. Some of the premises were operating with expired licences, further compounding the offences.

The suspects have since been arrested and will face prosecution in accordance with the law. The seized products have been confiscated as exhibits pending court proceedings.“We are going to prosecute the business owner to ensure he faces the full force of the law. This will serve as a warning to others engaging in similar illegal trade,” Mwangi added.

According to NACADA, Kitui County has recorded a rising number of counterfeit alcohol cases within the Eastern region, raising concerns among authorities over public health and safety. Illicit brews have previously been linked to severe health complications and fatalities in various parts of the country.

Mwangi urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious alcohol-related activities within their communities.“We request members of the public to remain alert and volunteer information regarding such illegal business activities for their own safety,” he said. “Consumers must also be vigilant about what they consume by verifying the authenticity and content of alcoholic products.”

NACADA issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcohol, stressing that penalties under the law are severe.“Those engaging in illegal alcohol trade must understand that once apprehended, they will face the consequences. We are committed to enforcing the law to the letter to protect the public,” Mwangi concluded.

The operation forms part of a broader national campaign aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit and counterfeit alcohol across the country.