Multi-Agency Team Seizes Ethanol Worth Ksh500,000 Destined for Illicit Brew in Eldoret
Kenya Revenue Authority Rift Valley Enforcement Manager Dr Bernard Matibe said the multi-agency team had also identified fake excise stamps
Kenya Revenue Authority Rift Valley Enforcement Manager Dr Bernard Matibe said the multi-agency team had also identified fake excise stamps during the operations, an indication that the ethanol was meant to be pushed into the market as legitimate alcohol.
By Mercy Chelangat
Authorities in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Friday, September 12, 2025, seized ethanol worth about Sh500,000 that had been hidden at a construction site and was destined for making illicit second-generation alcohol in the city.
The raid was led by Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr Eddyson Nyale, who said the consignment had been recovered and stressed that the county would not tolerate the circulation of ethanol for illicit brews.
“Being the newest city with a lot of vibrancy within the economic spheres, they feel strongly that we’re the consumers of this alcohol … which is made from just mixing ethanol and water,” Dr Nyale said. He added that the crackdown would continue, warning, “Regardless of the level in which you’re operating, regarding any political connection, this county shall remain free from ethanol.”
County Police Commander, Benjamin Mwanthi said officers raided the site around 9 pm on Thursday and discovered 10 containers concealed under construction sand.
“We found 10 containers hidden under construction sand … the street value of this illicit brew is around half a million and other than street value, this illicit brew ruins lives,” he said. He urged residents to help, adding, “As citizens, we have the power of arrest as private persons so if you see anyone, bring them to the police station.”
NACADA Regional Coordinator Nicholas Kosgei warned that abuse of ethanol posed grave health risks. “This ethanol is a control product … imagine a glass maybe can make up to 20 beers of Tusker,” Kosgei said. He cautioned that mixing high concentrations damages organs, noting, “They could be mixing a very high concentration which actually damages the organs of a person.”
Kenya Revenue Authority Rift Valley Enforcement Manager Dr Bernard Matibe said the multi-agency team had also identified fake excise stamps during the operations, an indication that the ethanol was meant to be pushed into the market as legitimate alcohol. “The community … gave us this particular information and we were able to work closely with the multi-agency team to … ensure that this particular product, ethanol, is apprehended or intercepted,” Dr Matibe said. He added, “Most of them are actually fake stamps, copies of what we have as excise stamps.”
About Author
