A major crackdown in Nyamira County has resulted in the seizure of counterfeit alcoholic drinks worth KSh16 million and the arrest of one suspect. The operation, conducted in Nyaigwa Village within Nyamira Town, was part of an ongoing nationwide campaign to eliminate illicit alcohol and safeguard public health.
The raid was carried out by a coordinated multi-agency team comprising the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the National Police Service, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, and National Government Administrative Officers. The joint effort demonstrates the government’s growing resolve to dismantle criminal networks behind the production and distribution of unlicensed alcohol.
Among the confiscated counterfeit brands were unregistered beverages including Dallas, Smart Vodka, Trigger, and Space. Investigators believe the stockpile was destined for distribution across Nyamira and surrounding counties, posing significant health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
During the operation, a suspect identified as Isaac Mutai was apprehended at the scene. Preliminary findings suggest he may be linked to a wider supply chain allegedly backed by influential business operators in the region. He is currently being held as authorities pursue further leads to uncover the masterminds of the racket.
The crackdown forms part of an aggressive Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) launched to combat the rising cases of counterfeit alcohol in rural and urban areas alike. Officials have pledged to sustain the campaign until every link in the illicit trade network is eliminated.
The seized products have been secured as evidence and will support prosecutions once investigations are complete. Authorities have also committed to tracing the sources of the illicit drinks, with a view to intercepting supply routes and apprehending additional culprits.
The incident highlights the scale of the counterfeit alcohol problem in Kenya and the dangers it poses to both public health and economic stability. Communities across the country continue to grapple with the harmful effects of unregulated brews, which not only endanger lives but also undercut legitimate businesses.
This latest bust in Nyamira sends a clear warning to illicit traders: the government is intensifying its fight and will not relent until the trade in counterfeit alcohol is eradicated.
