Machua Waithaka steps up war on fake alcohol in Kiambu Town

Kiambu Town MP Machua Waithaka has intensified efforts to combat illicit and counterfeit alcohol in the constituency, bringing together security agencies, regulators and local administrators to strengthen enforcement and protect residents from the dangers of unsafe alcoholic drinks.

The MP said a multi-agency meeting held yesterday resolved to step up operations against fake alcohol, locally known as Gathuri Ngui, while strengthening coordination among agencies responsible for enforcement, prosecution and consumer protection.

The meeting brought together representatives from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, the Office of the Deputy County Commissioner, the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and local chiefs.

Waithaka said the engagement focused on developing a coordinated response to the manufacture and sale of illicit and counterfeit alcohol, with participants agreeing on measures to improve enforcement and ensure those found culpable face the law.

Among the resolutions was the intensification of enforcement operations targeting illegal alcohol businesses, alongside improved inter-agency coordination to ensure that cases are handled efficiently and offenders are held accountable.

The meeting also agreed to pursue faster court processes in relevant cases and establish monthly review meetings to assess progress, identify implementation challenges and strengthen the effectiveness of interventions.

Waithaka said the monthly engagements would provide a structured mechanism for the participating agencies to evaluate their work and sustain pressure on illegal operators.

“We will continue to convene these multi-agency meetings every month as we work to dismantle illegal operations and ensure that those involved in the manufacture and sale of illicit and counterfeit alcohol are brought to book in accordance with the law,” he said.

The MP also committed to engaging the Kiambu County Government to ensure that alcohol traders operate within the law and comply with the required licensing and regulatory standards.

The initiative seeks to distinguish legitimate businesses that meet legal requirements from illegal operators whose activities may expose consumers to unsafe products and undermine lawful trade.

Counterfeit and illicit alcohol pose serious public health concerns, particularly where products are manufactured, distributed or sold outside established regulatory controls. Coordinated action by enforcement agencies and standards regulators is therefore important in protecting consumers and ensuring compliance with the law.

By bringing together institutions with complementary mandates, the multi-agency approach is intended to strengthen information-sharing, improve the handling of suspected offences and ensure that enforcement efforts translate into measurable results.

For residents, the campaign is expected to place greater emphasis on public safety, lawful business operations and accountability among those involved in the alcohol trade.

Waithaka said the initiative was part of a sustained commitment to safeguarding public health and restoring order in communities affected by illicit alcohol.

The monthly review meetings will provide an opportunity to monitor progress and identify further measures needed to address the problem.

The MP, who is associated with the development-focused identity #FundiWaMaendeleo, reiterated his commitment to translating the resolutions into action, emphasising the importance of sustained cooperation between national government agencies, county authorities and local administrators.

As the campaign gathers momentum, its success will depend on consistent enforcement, effective prosecution of offences supported by evidence and compliance with licensing and quality standards by legitimate traders.

For Waithaka, the objective is to ensure that the fight against illicit and counterfeit alcohol remains a sustained effort focused on protecting lives, supporting lawful businesses and improving the safety of Kiambu Town communities.

“Yangu Ni Kazi Tu!” he said.