NACADA Busts Murang’a Fake Liquor Worth Ksh1.4M
NACADA has renewed its commitment to work with a multi-agency squad to take rogue traders to book, warning that counterfeit alcohol
The raid, conducted at around 8:00 p.m. on the eve of Jukwaa la Usalama Murang'a County edition and following a 100-day Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) on illegal alcohol directive by Cabinet Secretary. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
NACADA seizes Ksh1.4M illegal alcohol in Murang’a
Kahuho Market in Murang’a County was in a flurry on Monday night during a high-risk operation after the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), in collaboration with the Murang’a Police Command, seized counterfeit alcohol valued at Ksh1.4 million.
The raid, conducted at around 8:00 p.m. on the eve of Jukwaa la Usalama Murang’a County edition and following a 100-day Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) on illegal alcohol directive by Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen, was guided by intelligence reports indicating illegal activities in counterfeit liquor.
290 crates of assorted alcoholic drinks, including Smart Ice, Taifa Ice, Diamond Ice, and Apple Ice, were recovered during the operation, all bearing counterfeited Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps. Cartons of Dallas Gin spirits were also recovered.
The shop where the products were found has been traced to Peter Nduati, alias “Mike Power,” a prominent trader in the region.
In a statement, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa said the fugitive has 59 alcohol dispensing joints in Murang’a County and has consistently evaded law enforcement over the years. “This is not a small-time operator.
He is a prominent individual whose business empire is built on illegality, and the fact that he has managed to evade the law for so long speaks to the magnitude of the challenge we are up against,” Dr. Omerikwa said.
The suspect was absent during the raid, but one woman who is believed to be his store manager was caught and is in custody at Kahuho Police Station. The police have since declared Nduati a wanted criminal, promising to dismantle his extensive illegal trade empire.
A Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) team has initiated the investigations, and the suspect is to be arraigned for tax evasion and contravention of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2010).
The seized products were handed over to the KRA Investigations Team, while samples will be submitted for further testing at the Government Chemist and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to verify their safety.
NACADA has renewed its commitment to work with a multi-agency squad to take rogue traders to book, warning that counterfeit alcohol not only cheats the country of much-needed revenue but also poses a serious health hazard to those who drink it.
Meanwhile, the noose is closing in on “Mike Power,” with officials vowing that his long history of evading justice will not be permitted this time.
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