Crackdown in Moiben: Police Seize Thousands of Bottles of Counterfeit Alcohol in Night Raid
The total street value of the seized goods has not yet been disclosed, but authorities estimate it could run into millions of shillings
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A multi-agency team comprising officers from the National Police Service, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and public health officials conducted a late-night raid on a private residence in the Sinai area of Moiben Sub-county, Uasin Gishu County. The operation led to the seizure of thousands of bottles of counterfeit alcohol, several liters of ethanol, and a machine suspected to be used in producing fake KRA seals. Part of the illicit consignment was found loaded in a small saloon car, ready for distribution.
One suspect was arrested at the scene, while several others managed to escape. The total street value of the seized goods has not yet been disclosed, but authorities estimate it could run into millions of shillings.
This raid is part of an intensified crackdown on counterfeit and illicit alcohol in Uasin Gishu County. In recent months, similar operations have been carried out across the county, with authorities seeking to dismantle deeply rooted networks of illegal brewers and distributors.
Officials believe that the production and distribution of these illegal products are increasingly taking place in high-end residential homes—locations that often don’t raise suspicion, making it harder for law enforcement to detect the illegal activities.
Uasin Gishu County has been grappling with a significant rise in the manufacture and sale of counterfeit alcohol. According to a 2023 study by Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, more than half of the county’s residents abuse alcohol, with over 1,400 individuals engaged in the production of illicit brews like chang’aa and busaa.
In April 2025, the Uasin Gishu County Commissioner reported that more than half of the alcoholic drinks in the county are illegal and not recommended for sale. The crackdown has led to the seizure of significant quantities of illicit brews, including 126 cartons of Silver Star and 334 cartons of Golden Dream spirits, as well as 705 liters of ethanol mixed with dirty water.
The county has also seen a substantial number of arrests related to illicit alcohol. In one week alone, over 500 individuals were arrested and charged in court over the sale of illicit alcohol and drugs.
The county government, through the Alcoholic Drinks Control Board , has made significant progress in addressing alcohol and drug addiction. Since the establishment of the Moiben Rehabilitation Centre, over 700 individuals have been treated and rehabilitated, marking a major milestone in the county’s fight against illicit brews and substance abuse.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to alcohol production or sales. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the fight against illicit liquor is ongoing and that all those found culpable will be prosecuted.
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