Police in Kirinyaga County have seized 114 crates of suspected illicit alcohol and several cartons of other alcoholic drinks during an operation in Mwea East Sub-County.
The operation followed a tip-off about a lorry allegedly transporting the drinks to a local bar depot, according to Mwea East Sub-County Police Commander Henry Gitonga.
Officers first intercepted the consignment at Murubara, recovering 114 crates of Diamond Ice and 200 empty crates.
They later raided another bar selling wines and spirits, where they seized four cartons of People Vodka and nine cartons of People Gin and lemonades.
A further 11 cartons were recovered in the Ngurubani area as the crackdown continued.
The seized drinks have been taken to Wang’uru Police Station, where they are being held as exhibits pending testing by the Government Chemist, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Gitonga said the tests would establish whether the products were genuine, noting that the drinks bore KRA and KEBS stamps despite questions about their authenticity.
The seizure has raised fresh concerns among residents about the source of suspected illicit alcohol in the area and how it continues to reach local bars.
Some residents said bar owners may be relying on suppliers who bring the drinks to their businesses, calling for investigations to establish where the products originate and who is distributing them.
Others expressed concern about the growing number of unfamiliar alcohol brands in the market, warning that consumers could be exposed to health risks if the products contain unsafe substances.
Residents also called on the government to restrict the sale of ethanol, which they believe contributes to the illicit alcohol trade.
Mugo Gikombe urged authorities to allow traditional drinks such as Makabo and Muratina to be sold in local bars, while calling for greater attention to the types of alcohol available to consumers.
John Maina said some of the suspected illicit drinks were being brought into Kirinyaga from other counties, while others were allegedly produced locally.
He urged security agencies to step up surveillance and establish roadblocks along key routes to intercept consignments entering the region.
Residents said stronger enforcement was needed to stop the distribution of potentially harmful drinks and protect young people from the effects of illicit alcohol.
The authorities are expected to use the laboratory findings to determine whether the seized products meet the required standards and whether further action is necessary.
The presence of official stamps on the packaging has not yet been confirmed as proof of authenticity.
