Uasin Gishu Multi-Agency Team Seizes Illicit Ethanol Worth Sh 1.25 Million
Traders were urged to operate within the law and obtain proper licenses, with Maiyo cautioning that non-compliance will attract strict penalties.
By Achieng Kemuma
A multi-agency security team in Uasin Gishu County has arrested two suspects and impounded approximately 810 litres of illicit ethanol valued at Sh 1.25 million in Kapseret Sub-county.Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, speaking to the media at Langas Police Station, confirmed that the consignment was intercepted while being transported in a private vehicle.
The two suspects — a middle-aged man and woman — were arrested at the scene.According to Mwanthi, the suspects had travelled from Nandi County and were heading to Nairobi when they were apprehended. They are currently in police custody and will be arraigned in court today.
“The intercepted ethanol has an estimated street value of Sh 1.25 million. The two suspects remain in custody and will be charged accordingly,” said Mwanthi.
He noted that the seizure comes barely two weeks after officers intercepted 31 jerrycans of chang’aa from a vehicle travelling from Bungoma to Eldoret. That case is already before the courts.Mwanthi observed that alcohol traffickers are adapting their tactics, increasingly using high-end vehicles in an attempt to evade detection.
“We are seeing new methods being employed by these traffickers. We urge the public and our officers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles, regardless of their make,” he said.
He warned that illicit alcohol continues to pose serious health and social risks to the community. Security agencies, he added, are working closely with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to curb the illegal trade.
Uasin Gishu County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board (ADCB) Director Koiya arap Maiyo commended the security agencies for their swift action, attributing the success to effective intelligence sharing.“Many business people are still engaging in the illegal sale of counterfeit alcohol, which is poisonous and has caused loss of lives. We must work together to stop this menace,” said Maiyo.
Maiyo reiterated that the county government, in collaboration with the Kenya Police Service and other agencies, will sustain the crackdown on illicit brews.He disclosed that licensing is ongoing and only compliant outlets are allowed to operate. More than 10 premises have already been shut down for violating licensing regulations.
“Licenses are issued only after thorough inspection to ensure premises are not located near schools or residential areas. Those who fail to comply risk closure and cancellation of their licenses,” he warned
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Traders were urged to operate within the law and obtain proper licenses, with Maiyo cautioning that non-compliance will attract strict penalties.
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