KRA seizes illicit alcohol in Murang’a crackdown 

KENYA – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has confiscated illicit alcoholic beverages valued at more than Kes 2.4 million (US$18.5K) in an enforcement operation in Makuyu, Murang’a County. 

The Friday raid followed a public tip-off that led enforcement officers to storm a manufacturing plant illegally operating inside a restaurant along the Nairobi–Embu Road. 

Upon inspection, KRA discovered a fully equipped and unlicensed production facility that had been manufacturing and packaging alcoholic drinks without the required excise license. None of the products bore official excise stamps, a violation of the Excise Duty Act. 

During the operation, officers recovered 6,134 litres of illicit alcohol, including 1,240 litres of finished products ready for distribution. Among the seized items were both branded and unbranded cocktails such as Ukoo, Mojito Cocktail, Pinacolada, Wicked Tea, Martini Cocktail, Mixed Flavor Cocktail, and LongIsland Cocktail.  

Additionally, approximately 2,000 litres of unpackaged compounded liquor were found. 

The facility was also producing traditional alcoholic beverages, including Muratina, which were discovered packaged in 500ml metallic cans and 750ml glass bottles. 

According to KRA assessments, the government risked losing about Kes 600,000 (US$4633.2) in excise tax revenue if the illicit products had reached the market. Following the operation, officers secured the premises and transferred the seized items to KRA’s warehouse for further investigations and processing. 

This seizure comes shortly after the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) intercepted counterfeit liquor valued at Kes 17.5 million US$135.1K) in Nyeri County earlier this month.  

Acting on intelligence reports, officers raided Zidane Wines and Spirits in Ruring’u, a site suspected of being a major distributor of contraband alcohol. 

The government has recently intensified its crackdown on illicit alcohol through a nationwide 100-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), spearheaded by Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.  

The initiative targets the dismantling of second-generation alcohol networks and aims to protect communities from harmful brews. 

Counties in Central Kenya, including Murang’a and Kiambu, have been marked as priority areas due to widespread cases of illicit alcohol. Manufacturers found guilty of adulteration risk permanent closure of their businesses and revocation of operating licenses. 

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment, noting that the campaign would extend beyond the 100 days to ensure long-term impact. 

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