Uasin Gishu Authorities Seize 1,500 Liters of Illicit Alcohol in Major County-Wide Crackdown

By Wasike Elvis 

Uasin Gishu County authorities have launched a massive crackdown on illegal alcohol operations, seizing approximately 1,500 liters of illicit alcohol and arresting 147 people in an extensive operation targeting unlicensed storage, brewing, and distribution across the county. The move comes amid growing concerns about public health, safety, and the welfare of young people, particularly in areas near schools and higher learning institutions.

County Commander Benjamin Mwanthi revealed that the operation was triggered after members of the public reported suspicious activities in the area, including the movement and storage of large volumes of alcohol in residential premises. “When we received information about unusual vehicle movements and activities in this area, we immediately mobilized our officers to investigate,” Mwanthi said.

Upon arrival at the site, law enforcement officials discovered a large store functioning as a warehouse. Inside, they found 1,406 boxes of alcohol of various brands, with an estimated street value of KSh 5 million. Mwanthi emphasized that storing alcohol in residential houses, particularly high-quality spirits, is illegal and constitutes a serious breach of licensing regulations.

The operation also revealed that the warehouse was engaged in illegal packaging activities, with numerous empty boxes and adhesive tapes suggesting the alcohol was being repackaged, possibly with counterfeit branding. “Some of the products may appear genuine, but the stickers could be fake. This is a deliberate attempt to mislead authorities and evade taxation,” Mwanthi explained.

The crackdown involved multiple state agencies working together to ensure a comprehensive response. Agencies included the County Government licensing authorities, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), and CABES, tasked with verifying the quality and safety of the alcohol. “Every batch will be inspected to determine its authenticity and compliance with safety standards,” Mwanthi said.

Highlighting the public safety aspect, Mwanthi pointed out that the warehouse was located within one kilometer of several institutions, including a polytechnic hosting over 20,000 students. “We cannot allow illicit alcohol to harm our young people. It is our duty to ensure these substances do not infiltrate neighborhoods, schools, and institutions,” he said.

In addition to the warehouse seizure, authorities recovered 140 liters of alcohol buried in soil and another 100 liters stored on surrounding lands, showing the lengths to which illegal operators go to conceal their activities. Mwanthi called on residents to continue providing tips and information on suspicious activities, emphasizing that community involvement is critical in the fight against illicit alcohol trade.

Uasin Gishu County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board Director Koiya Arap Maiyo also weighed in on the incident, expressing serious concern over the situation. He confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the origin, legality, and safety of the alcohol. “Under county and national regulations, anyone involved in the alcohol business must operate from licensed premises approved by the county government. Residential areas are strictly prohibited for alcohol storage, manufacturing, or retail,” Maiyo said.

He added that storing alcohol in homes is not only illegal but dangerous, particularly in neighborhoods inhabited by families and children. “For now, the alcohol seized is treated as illicit until proven otherwise. There is no justification for keeping such quantities at home or in unlicensed premises,” Maiyo said.

Maiyo further highlighted the economic and social impact of illicit alcohol. “The illegal trade deprives the county of revenue, harms young people, and can have devastating consequences on families and communities. Our county loses significant resources because illicit alcohol is sold in the streets, often reaching children and students. Lives are being destroyed,” he said.

Several state agencies have been deployed to support ongoing investigations, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Intelligence Service (NIS), KRA, ACA, and other enforcement bodies. Maiyo praised the police, especially County Commander Mwanthi and his team, for their role in enforcing alcohol control laws and maintaining public order.

He reiterated that both President William Ruto and Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii have expressed zero tolerance for illicit alcohol activities in the county. “Uasin Gishu will not be a hub for storing, selling, or manufacturing illegal alcohol. The government has the capacity and machinery to eliminate this trade, and anyone attempting to operate outside the law should look elsewhere,” he said.

Authorities have assured the public that enforcement operations will continue, with all traders expected to comply fully with licensing and regulatory requirements. The crackdown aims to protect public health, safeguard youth, and ensure lawful businesses operate on a level playing field within Uasin Gishu County.

The operation has also sparked discussions on the need for alternative livelihoods, with Mwanthi noting a trend where some men and women are entering illicit alcohol trade due to lack of awareness or economic pressures, while others withdraw after arrests. Authorities hope that awareness campaigns and enforcement actions will encourage compliance and discourage engagement in illegal activities.

This operation underscores the county’s commitment to public safety, consumer protection, and tax compliance, sending a clear message that Uasin Gishu will not tolerate illegal alcohol trade. With coordinated efforts from multiple state agencies, the county government aims to protect its residents, particularly vulnerable youth, and maintain the integrity of the local economy.

Officials have warned that further raids will continue across the county, and those involved in illegal alcohol activities risk prosecution and heavy penalties under Kenyan law. Residents are urged to report any suspicious alcohol-related activities to authorities promptly to safeguard the community.

The crackdown serves as a critical reminder that unlicensed alcohol production and sale is a serious offense with potential health, social, and economic consequences, and the county government has pledged to maintain vigilance to protect public welfare.