Illicit Alcohol Syndicate Busted in Eldoret as Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Warns Criminals

An intelligence-led operation by detectives has dismantled a major illicit alcohol manufacturing and distribution syndicate operating on the outskirts of Eldoret Town, dealing a significant blow to the illegal trade that has been supplying counterfeit alcoholic drinks across Uasin Gishu and neighbouring counties.

The operation was conducted by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters Operations Action Team (OAT) in collaboration with DCI Uasin Gishu officers. It resulted in the arrest of three suspects believed to be at the centre of the illegal enterprise.

According to Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Edison Nyale, the crackdown demonstrates the government's commitment to protecting residents from dangerous illicit brews and dismantling criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit alcohol.

The prime suspect, Francis Mutuma Gikunda, was intercepted while driving a white Toyota Voxy, registration number KCY 636T. During interrogation, he led detectives to an unfinished building in Oletepesi on the outskirts of Eldoret, which had been converted into an illicit alcohol production and packaging facility.

A thorough search of the premises uncovered large quantities of counterfeit alcoholic beverages packaged to resemble popular brands. Detectives also recovered packaging materials bearing labels such as Medal Vodka, Smart Vodka, Best Gin and Silver Star, alongside fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) excise stamps allegedly used to disguise the illegal products as genuine.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicate allegedly sourced ethanol through the Busia border before processing, packaging and distributing the counterfeit drinks to a well-established market within Eldoret and neighbouring counties.

Two additional suspects, Frank Kamau Mwangi and Moses Mungai Kipishi, were also arrested at the scene. Police believe they played key roles in the production and packaging of the illicit alcohol.

Among the items recovered during the operation were 20 cartons of assorted illicit alcoholic beverages, 10 cartons already packed and ready for distribution, several empty 60-litre jerricans believed to have been used in the manufacturing process, and a silver Toyota Wish, registration number KDQ 422V, loaded with assorted counterfeit alcoholic drinks.

Dr. Nyale commended the detectives for the successful operation, noting that the fight against illicit alcohol remains a top priority in Uasin Gishu County because of the serious health, economic and security risks associated with the illegal trade.

He warned individuals involved in the manufacture, transportation and sale of illicit alcohol that security agencies will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The three suspects remain in police custody as they undergo processing ahead of their arraignment in court. Meanwhile, detectives have launched further investigations to trace and arrest other members of the syndicate who are still at large.