Police in Kericho Seize 70 Cartons of Suspected Counterfeit Alcohol in Belgut Crackdown

Police in Belgut Sub-County, Kericho County have seized 70 cartons of suspected counterfeit alcohol in a major crackdown on illicit brew, targeting illegal outlets around Kabianga.

The operation, led by Belgut Deputy County Commissioner Francisca Khaghai, was conducted on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, following a tip-off from members of the public over the sale of suspected illicit and counterfeit alcoholic drinks in the area.

Addressing journalists at Kabianga Police Station, Khaghai said the security team raided several premises and impounded cartons of assorted alcoholic brands including Smart Vodka, Power, Best Gin and Trigger, which are suspected to be counterfeit and unfit for human consumption.

In video footage seen by Daily Nation, police display stacks of white and red boxes branded SMART, each containing bottles of the suspected illicit liquor. Other exhibits include bottles of Power, Best Gin and Trigger Whisky seized from a small retail shop with wooden walls.

“We have today managed to seize 70 cartons of suspected counterfeit alcohol in an operation around Kabianga. This is part of our ongoing efforts to rid Belgut of illicit brew that is endangering the lives of our youth,” Khaghai said.

She noted that two suspects were arrested during the operation and are being held at Kabianga Police Station, P.O Box 3 Kericho, pending arraignment in court. Samples of the seized alcohol have been taken to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and government chemist for analysis to establish its authenticity and safety.

Khaghai warned traders against selling counterfeit and unlicensed alcoholic drinks, saying the government has intensified surveillance across Kericho County and will not relent in the war against illicit brew.

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“We are warning all those engaged in this illegal business that their days are numbered. We will continue with these crackdowns until we ensure that only licensed and safe products are sold to our people. Chiefs, assistant chiefs and Nyumba Kumi officials should work closely with police to report such dens,” she added.

The Deputy County Commissioner also urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing information on outlets selling suspected illicit alcohol, noting that consumption of counterfeit alcohol has led to cases of blindness, organ failure and deaths in different parts of the country.

Residents of Kabianga have welcomed the crackdown, saying the sale of cheap illicit liquor has contributed to rising cases of alcoholism, school dropouts and domestic violence in the area.

Police say the seized consignment will be held as an exhibit and later destroyed upon receiving a court order after investigations are complete.

The operation comes amid a renewed national crackdown on illicit brew, second-generation alcohol and counterfeit alcoholic drinks ordered by the Ministry of Interior, targeting manufacturers, distributors and retailers operating without valid licenses and KEBS certification.