Authorities have intensified the war against illicit alcohol with a dramatic dawn raid in Ruring’u, Nyeri County, where counterfeit liquor valued at Sh17.5 million was seized on Wednesday.
One suspected trader was arrested in an operation spearheaded by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in collaboration with multi-agency enforcement units.
Acting on intelligence reports, officers raided Zidane Wines and Spirits, a premise suspected to be at the heart of contraband alcohol distribution.
Among the recovered items were nine cartons of Sweet Berry Vodka, eight cartons of Dallas Gin, 36 cartons of Trace Vodka, and 18 crates of Jambo Ice liquor.
Also seized were 125 litres of ethanol, three crates of Viena Ice, 12 crates of Diamond Ice, and 10 cartons of Best Classic. Authorities further recovered fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps, allegedly used to disguise the counterfeit goods as legitimate.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Anthony Omerikwa, said the arrest was a milestone in the government’s renewed fight against the illicit alcohol trade under the 100-Day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) launched by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen earlier this week.
“This arrest should serve as a clear warning to all who profit from poisoning our communities.
Lazaro has repeatedly attempted to circumvent justice, but his time has run out. Anyone involved in this illicit trade should know their day in court is coming,” Dr. Omerikwa said.
He noted that Ndung’u is a repeat offender, with three pending court cases linked to counterfeit alcohol.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in enforcing the law and protecting Kenyans from harmful products,” he added.
The crackdown also reinforces the newly launched National Alcohol Policy 2025, which seeks stricter regulation, enhanced enforcement, and consumer protection against unsafe drinks.
Officials confirmed that the confiscated products will undergo further analysis before the suspect is formally charged.
The Nyeri seizure highlights the dual threat posed by counterfeit alcohol public health risks and massive revenue losses to the state as the government escalates efforts to dismantle illicit trade networks.
