Police Bust Illicit Alcohol Factory in Burnt Forest, Arrest Three as Protest Plan Withdrawn in Uasin Gishu
Three suspects—two women and a man—are in custody as investigations continue.
By Achieng Kemuma
Police in Uasin Gishu County have uncovered an illicit alcohol manufacturing operation in the Burnt Forest area of Tarakwa along the Nakuru–Eldoret Highway.
County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi said officers raided a residence about one kilometre from Tarakwa Police Station and found suspects brewing counterfeit liquor using milk containers, water, flavouring agents and about 10 litres of ethanol. Officers recovered 1,140 assorted bottles packed in 60 boxes, fake excise stamps, bottle tops and empty bottles, with different brands placed in mismatched cartons—an indication of outright counterfeiting.
“This is the first time we are seeing this kind of trick of using milk containers and mixing different brands in one box,” Mwanthi said.
Authorities have invited the Kenya Revenue Authority and other relevant agencies to examine the fake stamps and counterfeit products. Three suspects—two women and a man—are in custody as investigations continue. Police warned that illicit brewers appear to be shifting operations from Eldoret town centre to outlying areas and urged residents to report suspicious activities through nyumba kumi, chiefs and community policing structures.
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We are asking members of the public to remain vigilant and share information with us so that we can eliminate illicit brews in Uasin Gishu,” he added.
Mwanthi also confirmed that organisers of a planned demonstration had withdrawn their notice after agreeing to channel their grievances through the Turbo Sub-County Security Committee. He cautioned that protests disrupt business and the regional economy, noting that the county is a key transport corridor linking Nairobi and Mombasa to neighbouring countries.
“Maandamano is not always the solution because they interfere with the economy of Uasin Gishu and Kenya at large,” he stated.
County Criminal Investigations Officer Daniel Muleli said detectives also recovered mobile phones, ID cards and laptops from the house, raising suspicion of possible involvement in other crimes. He said investigations are underway to establish how the items ended up in the suspects’ possession and whether they are linked to robbery or other offences.
“We will use the recovered items to identify the owners and establish the circumstances under which they were found in that house,” Muleli said.
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