Police Net Ethanol Worth Sh1.5 Million as North Rift Crackdown on Illicit Alcohol Intensifies

 

By Wasike Elvis 

Police in Uasin Gishu County have seized a major consignment of suspected illicit ethanol valued at approximately Sh1.5 million, in a significant boost to ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal alcohol networks operating across the North Rift region.

According to Uasin Gishu County Commander Benjamin Mwanthi the operation, carried out by security officers as part of a coordinated multi-agency crackdown, led to the interception of a vehicle transporting 27 jerrycans filled with an estimated 810 litres of ethanol. Authorities say the consignment is believed to have originated from Nandi County and was being transported through Uasin Gishu with Nairobi as its suspected final destination.

Two suspects—a middle-aged man and woman—were arrested at the scene and are currently being held in police custody. According to officers, the duo will be arraigned in court as investigations continue into the source of the ethanol, its intended use, and possible links to a wider distribution network.

Mwanthi noted that the ethanol has an estimated street value ranging between Sh1.25 million and Sh1.5 million, underscoring the scale and profitability of the illicit alcohol trade in the region.

“This is a dangerous consignment. When such substances reach the public, they are often used to produce illegal brews that can cause serious health complications and even death,” a senior security officer said during a press briefing,” he noted.

Authorities revealed that the seizure forms part of a broader strategy targeting the manufacture, transportation, and sale of illicit alcohol, which has long been associated with cases of poisoning, blindness, organ damage, and fatalities in several parts of the country.

Changing Tactics by Traffickers

Security agencies have raised concern over the evolving tactics being employed by those involved in the illegal trade. Traditionally, traffickers relied on specific types of vehicles that could easily be profiled by law enforcement. However, recent operations indicate a shift toward the use of ordinary, less conspicuous vehicles in a bid to evade detection.

“They have changed their methods. Previously, we could easily identify the vehicles used, but now they are blending in with normal traffic. This is why we are urging all officers to thoroughly inspect any suspicious vehicle, regardless of its appearance,” the officer said.

Police have also warned motorists and residents along key transport corridors—including routes linking Eldoret, Turbo, and surrounding areas—to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity.

 

Repeat Offenses Raise Alarm

The latest interception comes barely two weeks after a similar operation along the Bungoma–Eldoret route, where officers seized another vehicle transporting 31 jerrycans of ethanol. That case is still pending in court, highlighting the persistence and scale of the illicit alcohol trade in the wider North Rift and western Kenya regions.

Investigators believe that the repeated seizures point to the existence of organized supply chains moving ethanol across counties for use in the production of illegal alcoholic drinks.

Health Risks and Public Safety Concerns

Uasin Gishu County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board Director Koiya Arap Maiyo  warned that the intercepted ethanol is often used in the manufacture of substandard alcoholic beverages in unregulated settings. These drinks frequently fail to meet safety standards and may contain toxic substances harmful to human health.

“This is not just an enforcement issue—it is a public health crisis. The alcohol produced from such substances is unsafe and has led to the loss of many lives,” Koiya noted.

Authorities emphasized that continued consumption of illicit brews poses severe health risks, including poisoning, long-term organ damage, and death, making the crackdown a critical intervention to protect communities.

Multi-Agency Enforcement and Business Compliance

The county government, working in collaboration with the National Police Service and the Kenya Bureau of Standards, has stepped up enforcement measures in recent months. These include intensified inspections, intelligence-led operations, and the establishment of roadblocks along major transit routes.

As part of the crackdown, more than ten large liquor outlets found to be operating without proper licenses or in violation of regulatory requirements have been shut down. Some of the affected premises were located near schools and residential areas, contrary to licensing guidelines.

Officials say the licensing process has now been tightened, with thorough inspections conducted on business premises, storage facilities, and vehicles used for distribution before permits are issued.

Encouragingly, authorities report that a growing number of traders are coming forward to regularize their operations by applying for the required licenses.

“We are seeing a positive response from business people who want to operate within the law. However, compliance is not optional—anyone found violating the regulations will face closure and possible legal action,” Koiya noted.

 

Call for Public Cooperation

Authorities have called on members of the public to play an active role in the fight against illicit alcohol by sharing information that could help identify and dismantle illegal operations.

“Residents living along major highways and transport routes have been specifically urged to report suspicious vehicles, particularly those that appear to be transporting goods covertly or making unusual stops,” Mwanthi noted.

Police stressed that community cooperation is key to sustaining the momentum of the crackdown and ensuring that those involved in the illegal trade are brought to justice.

Sustained Crackdown Expected

With enforcement efforts intensifying and surveillance expanding, authorities have vowed to maintain pressure on individuals and networks involved in the illicit alcohol business.

The ongoing operations, officials say, are aimed not only at enforcing the law but also at safeguarding public health, restoring order in the alcohol sector, and preventing further tragedies linked to unsafe brews.

As investigations continue into the latest seizure, law enforcement agencies have issued a stern warning to those involved in the trade: the net is tightening, and the consequences will be severe for anyone found culpable.