The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, seized illicit alcohol estimated at over Ksh. 5.1 million during a multi-agency operation conducted in Kabati town, Kitui West Sub-county.

During the raid, officers arrested a suspected counterfeit alcohol distributor operating within the Kabati area and recovered more than 900 cartons of alcoholic beverages stored in a warehouse, all bearing fake Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamps. An additional 200 crates of suspected illicit alcoholic drinks were also seized from the same warehouse believed to be the main distribution point.

Speaking to the media during the raid, NACADA’s Deputy Director of Communications, Mr. Simon Mwangi, confirmed that the consignment had an estimated street value of over Ksh. 5 million and was was destined for local distribution within the area. He noted that the suspect was operating a wines and spirits outlet and a bar located in close proximity to a secondary school, in violation of laws regulating the sale of alcohol near learning institutions. “This is the second multi-agency crackdown we are conducting in Kitui County, and we have seized large volumes of illicit alcohol in both operations,” said Mwangi.

He added that Kitui has emerged as one of the highly ranked counterfeiting hubs in the larger Eastern region.

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Mwangi termed the arrests as a warning to traders engaged in the illegal alcohol business, urging them to comply with the law, cautioning that enforcement agencies will not relent in the crackdown against counterfeit and illegal brews. “This is a good learning opportunity for business people involved in alcohol trade to ensure that their operations are fully compliant with the law,” he stated.

He further cautioned consumers to be vigilant and avoid purchasing alcoholic drinks that may pose serious health risks. He also called upon members of the public to volunteer information to NACADA and other enforcement agencies whenever they suspect illegal alcohol-related activities in their areas.

The crackdown forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to curb the production, distribution, and consumption of counterfeit and illicit alcohol, which continues to endanger lives and undermine legitimate businesses.

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