Police Raid Exposes Large-Scale Illicit Brew Manufacturing Site in Kesses Sub-County
The raid comes barely two weeks after local politicians in Uasin Gishu—led by Kesses MP Julius Ruto—raised alarm over the rising sale of illicit brews in the county,
County Police Commander and senior security chiefs display some of the ethanol distilling equipment seized during a crackdown on illicit brew operations. Photos by Kemuma Achieng.
Police in Uasin Gishu County have intensified their crackdown on illicit alcohol after a Thursday afternoon raid in Annex estate uncovered a major illegal distillation den operating inside a private residence. Officers seized nineteen jerrycans of suspected ethanol, thirty cartons of illicit liquor, and an assortment of brewing equipment believed to be part of a wider illegal production network.
The raid comes barely two weeks after local politicians in Uasin Gishu—led by Kesses MP Julius Ruto—raised alarm over the rising sale of illicit brews in the county, warning that the proliferation of illegal alcohol is putting lives at risk and undermining government regulations.
County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, who led the multi-agency operation alongside County DCI chief Daniel Muleli and officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), described the bust as “one of the most significant breakthroughs” in the region’s fight against illegal alcohol production.
“We received intelligence that the house had been converted into an unlicensed production site,” Mwanthi said. “Upon entry, we found jerrycans of a substance suspected to be ethanol, crude distillation equipment, and fake KRA stickers ready to authenticate the illegal product. Samples have been taken for forensic analysis.”
The operation was triggered by public reports of unusual activity around the homestead. Inside, officers found active distillation units, improvised pipes, heating elements, and containers of processed and semi-processed liquor. Some units were still warm, indicating production was ongoing shortly before police arrived.
Two suspects believed to be the main operators escaped moments before the raid. An active manhunt is underway.
Imported Ethanol Fueling Local Networks
Mwanthi warned that much of the ethanol used in these illegal dens is smuggled from neighbouring countries, bypassing regulation and posing major public health dangers.
“Much of the ethanol circulating in this region is imported illegally. As we head into the festivities, multi-agency teams will be raiding bars and drinking joints to ascertain the safety and legality of the liquor being sold,” he said.
His remarks align with past NACADA and Interior Ministry findings linking several illicit alcohol networks to cross-border smuggling routes operating between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Countywide Crackdown on Bars and Outlets
County DCI chief Muleli announced that a major licensing crackdown targeting all alcohol outlets will begin next week.
“No outlet with pending cases in court or those identified in the ongoing crackdown will receive a business permit,” Muleli warned. “Residential estates have become breeding grounds for unlicensed brewing, and residents must continue reporting suspicious activities.”
He emphasised that the upcoming operation would target not only production sites but also supply chains moving illicit brews into Uasin Gishu.
County security chiefs further cautioned that any business found selling illicit brews will not be licensed by the Uasin Gishu County Government, as part of efforts to block illegal products from infiltrating the formal market.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
Mwanthi urged residents to remain cautious, especially during the festive season when consumption of alcohol typically increases.
“All citizens should be extra vigilant now that the festivities are here. Illegal brews pose serious public health risks,” he said.
All seized substances and equipment have been taken to Sukunanga Police Station for forensic analysis, with arrests expected as investigations continue.
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