In a major blow to the illicit alcohol trade, NACADA has dismantled a sophisticated counterfeiting ring in Kitui County, seizing hundreds of bottles of poisonous liquor and arresting two suspects, including a notorious local brewer.
The dawn operation, led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), took place at the Trade Lounge Club in Kalundu on Thursday, November 21, 2025. Acting on intelligence reports and weeks of covert surveillance, enforcement officers uncovered 670 cartons of second-generation illicit alcohol stashed in concealed storage rooms designed to avoid routine inspections.
Following the initial raid, NACADA traced the supply chain to a residential homestead in Wikililye, Nzambani Ward, where a fully operational illegal distillery was discovered. The makeshift factory contained chemical mixers, bottling machines, large storage drums, and hundreds of counterfeit labels ready for branding. Two suspects, including the alleged ringleader, were arrested as authorities dismantled the entire operation.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Antony Omerikwa, issued a stern warning to those involved in the illicit trade. “This seizure and dismantling of this plant is a significant victory, but it highlights the dangerous underground networks we are fighting. These toxic brews put countless lives at risk. Let this be a clear message: the government will not relent in its mission to eliminate these poisonous substances,” he stated.
At Kitui Police Station, OCPD Peter Karanja confirmed that the evidence points to a deeply entrenched illegal trade in the region. “The scale of this operation shows this is not a small-time crime. We are committed to fully enforcing the President’s directive to eliminate these killer brews and protect our residents,” he said, pledging continued vigilance and intensified patrols.
Local leaders and residents have praised the operation, noting that it comes after long-standing concerns about the proliferation of illicit alcohol in the county. The crackdown signals a strong government commitment to protecting public health and tackling criminal networks involved in the toxic alcohol trade.
