Uasin gishu: A multi-agency security team in Uasin Gishu County has intensified the crackdown on illicit alcohol, arresting two suspects and seizing ethanol valued at approximately Sh1.25 million in Kapseret Sub-County. Speaking to the media at Langas Police Station, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi said the intercepted consignment had a capacity of about 810 litres and was being transported in a private vehicle.
According to Kenya News Agency, the police confirmed that a middle-aged man and woman were arrested in connection with the illegal consignment. The two suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court. 'The suspected ethanol has a capacity of 810 litres with an estimated street value of Sh1.25 million. The two suspects are in custody and will be presented before court,' said Mwanthi.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had travelled from Nandi County to Uasin Gishu and were believed to be en-route to Nairobi at the time of their arrest. Mwanthi noted that the seizure follows a similar operation conducted two weeks ago in which officers intercepted 31 jerrycans of chang'aa from a vehicle travelling from Bungoma to Eldoret. He added that the earlier case is already before the courts.
The police commander raised concern over emerging tactics used by traffickers, noting that smugglers are increasingly using sophisticated, high-end vehicles to evade detection by law enforcement agencies. 'We are witnessing new tactics by traffickers who are now using high-end vehicles to transport illicit alcohol. We urge members of the public and our officers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles, regardless of their make,' he said.
Mwanthi emphasized that illicit alcohol continues to pose serious health, social, and economic risks, including loss of lives due to consumption of harmful substances. He assured that security agencies are working closely with key partners, including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), to eliminate the illegal trade.
Uasin Gishu County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board (ADCB) Director Koiya arap Maiyo commended the coordinated efforts of the multi-agency team, attributing the success of the operation to effective intelligence sharing among security agencies. 'We are seeing many business people engaging in the illegal sale of counterfeit alcohol, which is poisonous and has led to loss of lives. We must work together to stop this menace,' said Maiyo.
Maiyo expressed concern over the proliferation of harmful alcohol in the county and reiterated the county government's commitment, in collaboration with the National Police Service and other agencies, to sustain the crackdown on illegal brews. He revealed that licensing of alcohol outlets is ongoing, with strict measures being enforced to ensure compliance with regulations. Only outlets that meet the required standards are allowed to operate.
'Those who fail to comply with licensing requirements risk closure and cancellation of their licenses. We have already shut down more than 10 premises for violating the regulations,' he said. Maiyo added that licensing is conducted after thorough inspection of premises and distribution channels to ensure outlets are not located near schools or residential areas.
He urged traders to adhere to the law and obtain proper licenses, warning that non-compliance will attract strict penalties, including closure of businesses and legal action.